Washington Capitals got it right drafting Alexander Suzdalev

With the 70th pick in the third round of the 2022 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals selected forward Alexander Suzdalev. He’s a natural scoring forward who also happens to be named Alex. He can even score a lacrosse goal.

Draftin Europe via Elite Prospects said this about him:

"Displays the stickhandling ability needed to make plays in tight spaces.. Can use his good hands and reach to find his way through opponents."

The Caps additonally selected Ludwig Persson with their 85th pick and Jake Karabela at 149th. More on those guys later. The Caps will have two more picks at 181st in Round 6 and 213th in Round 7.

Suzdalev is listed as six foot two and 176 pounds. He’s 18 years old. With the HV71 J20 last season he recorded 15 goals and 36 assists for 51 points in 45 games. The forward left winger also represented Sweden U18 in the World Junior Championship 18.

Despite being born in Russia he moved to Sweden and ended up representing them internationally.

Brandon Share-Cohen of The Hockey Writers had high praise for Suzdalev in his draft profile: 

"Known mostly as a playmaker who does have somewhat of a scoring touch to his game, Suzdalev has an attractive offensive toolkit that he can use to cause havoc for the opposition. His speed is notable, but it’s the deceptiveness with which he plays that’s really noticeable. Strong with the puck and a very capable stick-handler, Suzdalev can consistently make plays happen both for himself and especially for his teammates."

Here’s what Dobber Prospects said about him:

"Playmaking winger with great hands and good size. Needs to continue to round out his game but could become a middle-six point producing winger at the NHL level."

The Caps have two picks left in the draft and made two picks since I started working on this piece. I’ll have a story on those two new players soon.