Alexander Semin was born March 3, 1984 in Krasjonarsk, Russia. The first round, 13th overall selection of the Washington Capitals in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Semin honed his skills in Russia before coming to North America in 2003-04.
In his first season with the Caps, Semin saw action in 52 games, registering 22 points (10-12-22) while seeing limited action with the club's AHL affiliate in Portland. Semin returned home to Russia to compete in the Russian Super League during the NHL lockout and through 50 games with Lada Togliatti he led the team in goals (19).
Semin was forced to stay in Russia to complete his two-year obligation to the Russian military and the Capitals subsequently suspended him for failing to report to the team's minor league affiliate. He eventually arrived in Washington and through 77 games of the 2006-07 he tallied 38 goals and 73 points. An ankle injury sidelined the Caps star at the beginning of the following season, yet he still managed a respectable 26-goal season with the resurging Caps.
Aside from his World Junior Championship experience in 2004, Semin has represented his homeland at numerous World Championships and struck gold at the 2008 tournament held in Quebec City.
