Capitals select Finnish big-center Suvanto 18th overall in 2026 NHL Draft

Washington Capitals drafted Finnish center Oliver Suvanto with the 18th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-3, 213-pound prospect from Tappara in Liiga played 48 games against men this season, recording 11 points, and was named one of Finland's top three players at the World Juniors. Suvanto is set to return to Tappara for 2026-27 and is viewed as a potential elite two-way center; his selection ends a 20-year wait for a Finnish draftee by the Capitals (last was Oskar Osala in 2006) and breaks a streak of first-round wingers.