As Olympic hockey gets underway, keep an eye on Finland. They’re not just showing up - they’re showing up with a roster stacked with NHL talent, and even without one of their biggest names, they’ve got the pieces to make a serious run.
Let’s start with the obvious: Aleksander Barkov, the Florida Panthers captain and one of the NHL’s most complete two-way centers, won’t be suiting up. He’s out with an injury, and there’s no sugarcoating it - that’s a big loss. Barkov brings elite vision, shutdown defense, and leadership that’s hard to replicate.
But Finland isn’t folding. In fact, they’re leaning into their depth and experience.
“Nobody can replace Barkov,” said general manager Jere Lehtinen, a former NHL standout himself. “But we have a lot of different kind of leaders.
They’ll bring different kind of leadership to the team.”
That leadership comes from a deep bench of NHL-tested players - 23 of the 24 skaters on Finland’s roster are playing in the NHL this season. The lone exception is defenseman Mikko Lehtonen, who’s now in Switzerland but brings Olympic gold pedigree from the 2022 Games, when NHL players were sidelined due to pandemic-related restrictions.
This time around, the NHL is back in the Olympic mix, and Finland is bringing a squad that’s built for the big stage.
Here’s a look at the NHL players wearing the Finnish jersey:
Forwards:
- Joel Armia (Kings) - A big-bodied winger with playoff experience and a knack for timely goals.
- Sebastian Aho (Hurricanes) - The heartbeat of Carolina’s offense, Aho is a dynamic center with elite playmaking ability.
- Mikael Granlund (Ducks) - A crafty veteran who can play up and down the lineup.
- Erik Haula (Predators) - Brings grit, versatility, and a high motor.
- Roope Hintz (Stars) - One of the fastest skaters in the NHL, Hintz is a two-way force.
- Kaapo Kakko (Kraken) - Still finding his stride in the NHL, but his size and skill are undeniable.
- Oliver Kapanen (Canadiens) - A rising young talent with strong hockey IQ.
- Joel Kiviranta (Avalanche) - Known for his playoff heroics, Kiviranta plays with energy and edge.
- Artturi Lehkonen (Avalanche) - A clutch performer who does all the little things right.
- Anton Lundell (Panthers) - A smart, responsible center with offensive upside.
- Eetu Luostarinen (Panthers) - Another solid two-way forward, comfortable in any role.
- Mikko Rantanen (Stars) - One of the NHL’s elite wingers, Rantanen brings size, skill, and scoring touch.
- Teuvo Teravainen (Blackhawks) - A smooth passer with a high hockey IQ and power play savvy.
- Eeli Tolvanen (Kraken) - A shooter’s shooter who can change a game with one touch.
Defensemen:
- Miro Heiskanen (Stars) - A true No. 1 defenseman, Heiskanen is calm under pressure and elite in transition.
- Henri Jokiharju (Bruins) - Steady and reliable, with good puck-moving instincts.
- Esa Lindell (Stars) - A shutdown defenseman who thrives in tough matchups.
- Olli Maatta (Mammoth) - A veteran presence with championship experience.
- Nikolas Matinpalo (Senators) - A physical blue-liner who brings edge to the back end.
- Niko Mikkola (Panthers) - Big, rangy, and tough to play against.
- Rasmus Ristolainen (Flyers) - Brings size, snarl, and experience to the blue line.
Goaltenders:
- Joonas Korpisalo (Bruins) - Capable of stealing games when he’s locked in.
- Kevin Lankinen (Canucks) - A solid backup with international experience.
- Juuse Saros (Predators) - One of the NHL’s top-tier goalies, Saros is quick, technically sound, and battle-tested.
This group isn’t just about star power - it’s about balance. Finland has a mix of high-end skill, responsible two-way play, and physicality. Their blue line is mobile and hard to break down, and the goaltending trio is as solid as any in the tournament.
And let’s not forget - Finland comes in as the defending Olympic gold medalists. That 2022 run came without NHL players, but this time, they’ve got their best on the ice. The system that brought them gold is still in place, and now it’s powered by some of the league’s top talent.
So don’t be surprised if Finland is still skating deep into the medal rounds. They’ve got the roster, the experience, and the mindset to make noise - and maybe even repeat.