With the 26th pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft,the Washington Capitals have selected Evgeny Kuznetsov, C, Chelyabinsk (KHL). From the team's release:

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals selected center Evgeny Kuznetsov in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, held Friday evening at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Kuznetsov, a 6’0", 172-pound native of Chelyabinsk, Russia played last season with Chelyabinsk Traktor of the KHL. He tallied two goals and seven assists in 35 games last season while recording only 10 penalty minutes. Kuznetsoz represented Russia at the 2010 World Junior Championship and scored two goals in six games.

The 18-year-old pivot also played for Team Russia at the World Under-18 Championship in both 2009 and 2010. He captained Russia in 2010 and led his squad with five goals and seven assists in seven games. He also had a team-high 40 shots and a +8 rating as the Russians finished fourth. In 2009, Kuznetsov led Russia to a silver medal after scoring six goals and dishing out seven assists in seven games.

The Capitals enter Saturday’s proceedings – featuring rounds two through seven of the draft – with five selections: one each in the third, fourth and sixth rounds (Nos. 86, 116 and 176). The Caps also have picks No. 142 and No. 146 in the fifth round.

Some more info on the newest Cap:

• NHL.com profile page
• Capitals.com Roundup of Clips
• The Scouting Report
• RMNB
• Russian Hockey Fans
• Coming Down the Pipe
• Premium Scouting
• Russian Prospect
• The Cannon
• Sport-Express interview via Alex Ovetjkin

Kuzenetsov's first scrum: