Capitals’ first-round pick Oliver Suvanto modeled his game after Aleksander Barkov, ‘wiling to do the work’ to make the NHL
RMNB • • sports
Key Points:
- The Washington Capitals selected Finnish two-way center Oliver Suvanto with the 18th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, marking their first Finnish draftee in 20 years.
- Suvanto, 17, impressed playing against older competition in Finland's top professional league, Tappara, and was ranked third-best skater outside North America by NHL Central Scouting.
- Capitals assistant GM Ross Mahoney emphasized Suvanto's size, versatility, and character, projecting him as a future second-line center with the ability to play wing.
- Suvanto cited Florida Panthers' Aleksander Barkov as a role model and highlighted his competitiveness and work ethic as key to his development.
- Off the ice, Suvanto is a drummer and country music fan, and he aims to enhance his offensive skills to become a more complete two-way player in the NHL.
