The Washington Capitals have inked another two prospects, signing Alexander Suzdalev and Ludwig Persson, their third-round picks from this year. The young forwards have each signed three-year entry-level contracts.
Suzdalev, 18, was the 70th overall pick, after lighting up the scoresheet in Sweden this season. Originally born in Russia, he is a product of the Swedish hockey system and even competes for that country internationally. This season, playing for the junior HV71 team, he scored 51 points in 45 games, and eventually found himself rising up draft boards. By the end of the year he was considered the 26th best international skater by NHL Central Scouting.
Persson, 18, was taken just 15 picks later at 85th overall out of the same league. While he got a handful of games with Frolunda’s SHL team, it was the organization’s junior program where he really excelled, scoring 61 points in 41 games. The winger is expected to play in the Swedish second tier next season for BIK Kalskoga.
Interestingly enough, Suzdalev was actually picked by the Regina Pats in the 2021 CHL Import Draft, meaning he could potentially come to North America to play next season, should the Capitals believe that’s best for his development. Either way, both players will not burn the first year of these deals if they play anywhere but the NHL.