The 2026 Winter Olympics are officially underway, and while the puck hasn’t dropped yet for the men’s hockey tournament, the anticipation is already building. The action begins Wednesday, Feb. 11, and all eyes are on the usual powerhouses-Team USA and Team Canada-but don’t sleep on Finland. The Finns are bringing serious firepower to Milan, and this time, they’ve got their NHL stars back in the mix.
Let’s not forget: Finland took home gold in 2022, but that was during the NHL player hiatus. This year, the stakes are higher, the competition is deeper, and Finland’s roster is stacked with top-tier NHL talent.
In fact, only one player on the team isn’t currently in the league. That’s a big shift from four years ago-and it sets the stage for a fascinating Olympic run.
Here are three Finnish players you’ll want to keep an eye on as the tournament unfolds:
Mikko Rantanen: The Offensive Engine
If you’ve followed the NHL even casually over the past few seasons, you know the name Mikko Rantanen. He’s been on a wild ride lately-traded from Colorado to Carolina, then flipped to Dallas-but no matter the jersey, his production hasn’t missed a beat.
This season with the Stars, Rantanen has been electric: 20 goals, 49 assists, 69 points through 54 games. He’s on pace to flirt with the 100-point mark for the third time in his career, and 30 of those points have come on the power play. It’s almost a lock he’ll anchor Finland’s top unit with the man advantage.
What makes Rantanen so dangerous is his combination of size, speed, and a lethal shot. He’s the kind of player who can take over a game with a single shift.
But there’s one area he’ll need to tighten up: discipline. He’s spent more time in the penalty box than Finland would like, and in a short tournament like the Olympics, every minute matters.
Finland needs him on the ice, not in the sin bin.
If Rantanen can stay out of trouble and keep his offensive rhythm, he’s going to be a nightmare matchup for any defense.
Miro Heiskanen: The Two-Way Titan
Another Dallas Star making noise for Finland is defenseman Miro Heiskanen. Quietly, he’s become one of the most well-rounded blueliners in the league-and he’s coming into the Olympics in top form.
Through 55 games this season, Heiskanen has racked up 46 points, including 39 assists. But it’s not just about what he does with the puck.
He’s a defensive wall, with 102 blocked shots and an average ice time approaching 26 minutes per game. That’s elite territory-few players are trusted with that kind of workload.
Heiskanen isn’t the most physical guy out there, but he doesn’t need to be. His skating, positioning, and hockey IQ allow him to control the game at both ends. He’s the kind of defenseman who quietly dominates-never flashy, always effective.
Finland will lean heavily on Heiskanen to shut down opposing stars while also jumpstarting the offense. He’s capable of doing both, and doing them well.
Sebastian Aho: The Do-It-All Forward
No discussion about Team Finland is complete without Sebastian Aho. The Carolina Hurricanes forward has been a consistent force since breaking into the NHL in 2016, and he’s once again delivering this season.
In 57 games, Aho has tallied 20 goals and 37 assists for 57 points. Like Rantanen, he’s been productive on the power play-but he brings even more versatility to the table.
He’s also chipped in shorthanded and isn’t afraid to play with an edge. With 51 hits on the year, Aho brings a physical element that helps set the tone for Finland’s forward group.
One of his most underrated contributions? Faceoffs.
Aho has won over half of his draws this season, and that’s a big deal in international play, where puck possession can swing momentum in a heartbeat. Whether it’s a key faceoff in the defensive zone or a draw on the power play, Aho gives Finland a reliable option at center.
He’s not just a scorer-he’s a complete player, and that’s exactly what Finland will need in a tournament where every shift counts.
Finland’s Medal Hopes: Legitimate and Loaded
With NHL players back in the Olympic fold, the level of competition is going to be fierce. But Finland has the kind of roster that can go toe-to-toe with anyone. They’ve got elite talent, chemistry (especially with several players coming from the same NHL teams), and the experience of winning gold just four years ago.
The difference this time? The stakes are higher, and the margin for error is smaller. But if Rantanen, Heiskanen, and Aho play to their potential-and the rest of the roster follows suit-Finland has every reason to believe they can make another deep run.
Don’t be surprised if they’re still playing when the medals are handed out.