Beagle, I don't know that we really got fouled up in the draft. From what I saw of pre-draft speculation, the Caps' real need in their prospect pipeline at this point is centers, and Suvanto was the next logical choice at that position.
At this point, we already have a huge stable of big forwards, especially if Ovie returns: him, AProtas, IProtas, Wilson, Tuch, PLDuBois. In today's game, you really need smaller, shifty forwards to balance that out. For that matter, Suvanto is the biggest of the top center candidates.
I personally like the selection of Suvanto, because he fills a glaring need for the organization: A strong defensive center who is good at face-offs and puck possession. Plus, a guy like that, who already has the defensive chops, is less likely to flame out before he gets to the NHL, or never really fulfill the role he is intended for. [Look at the number of players, even in Round 1, who are described as having offensive chops, but need to pick up the defensive side of the game.] He probably will be no more than a 3C or 4C, but it is very likely that he will make it in that role. And, assuming he can fulfill those duties at the NHL level, he is the kind of guy you want on the ice at the end of the game to protect a lead. That has VALUE in a league where the competition and the scores are so close.
He is NOT a glamorous first round selection. But he is important.
