Capitals break streak, pick Finnish center Suvanto 18th
Washington’s 2026 first‑round choice shatters a four‑year winger run, opting for 6‑foot‑3 Finnish forward Oliver Suvanto.
The Washington Capitals seized Finnish center Suvanto with the 18th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, ending a four‑year run of first‑round winger selections. Suvanto arrives at 6‑feet‑3, 213 pounds, a physical profile that matches his two‑way skill set. He honed his game with Tappara in Finland’s top league, earning recognition as one of the premier under‑18 talents in the country.
