The Washington Capitals have selected forward Oliver Suvanto as the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. The selection took place on Friday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Suvanto, a center, was ranked first among international centers by NHL Central Scouting and third among all international skaters.
Suvanto, who is 17, spent the 2025-26 season playing with Tappara of Liiga, Finland’s top professional league. During this season, he recorded 11 points in 48 games. His 11 points were the most achieved by a player of his age or younger in Finland’s top professional league last season. He also played in three games with Tappara’s junior team, where he scored three goals.
During the 2024-25 season, Suvanto accumulated 42 points in 42 games with Tappara’s Under-18 team. He ranked tied for second among all skaters in Finland’s Under-18 league in assists and fifth in points. Suvanto was awarded the Esa Peltonen Award as the league’s top forward and was named a First-Team All-Star. He also helped guide Tappara to a league championship, contributing 11 points in 13 playoff games.
International Representation and Development
The Turku, Finland native has represented his country in multiple international tournaments. These include the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2026 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, where he was named a top-three player on his team at both events. Suvanto scored two goals in seven games at the World Junior Championship, helping Finland reach the bronze medal game. He also recorded three points in five games at the Under-18 World Championship, which tied for the fourth most on his team.
Suvanto has also represented Finland at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2024 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. His selection marks the second time the Capitals have drafted a Finnish player in the first round in franchise history, following Miika Elomo in 1995. He is also the first Finn drafted by Washington since 2006. This pick is the 18th time the Capitals have chosen a center with their first-round selection.
Player Profile and Future Aspirations
Suvanto, who is 17, prides himself on his two-way play. He is described as a defensive center who battles hard and protects the puck, utilizing his size and reach effectively in both defensive and offensive zones. He made the transition to Liiga this past season and played various roles for Tappara, focusing on being responsible defensively while also creating offensive opportunities.
He noted that playing at the highest level in Finland helped him develop his skills and learn from playing against experienced players. Suvanto emphasized that adding strength was a key priority that significantly improved his overall game, particularly in skating and battling for the puck. He hopes to continue working on his physical development in the coming years.
Suvanto has looked up to Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov and has tried to emulate his style of play. He also drew inspiration from his father, Harri Suvanto, who played professional hockey in Europe during the 1980s and 1990s. Suvanto had the opportunity to skate with Barkov during Barkov’s injury rehabilitation, learning from him on aspects such as face-offs and puck handling.
As he looks towards his future in the NHL, Suvanto aims to improve his overall game, consistency, and offensive production. He expressed a desire to be a greater offensive threat and create more opportunities, aiming to be a complete two-way player with an increased offensive mindset. Suvanto expressed excitement about joining the Capitals, stating he is eager to be part of the team.
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Source: nhl.com
