Joel Armia Set to Represent Finland in 2026 Winter Olympics After Breakout Year with Kings
Joel Armia’s hockey journey has taken him from Montreal to Los Angeles, and now, to Milan. The versatile winger is set to suit up for Team Finland as they open their 2026 Winter Olympics campaign against Slovakia on Wednesday, marking another milestone in what's been a resurgent stretch for the veteran forward.
This isn’t Armia’s first taste of international play-he represented Finland in the 4 Nations Tournament last year while still with the Canadiens. That opportunity helped pave the way for his Olympic debut, and now, after carving out a key role with the Kings in the Pacific Division, he’s earned a spot on Finland’s Olympic roster.
And he’s not just along for the ride.
Armia enters the Olympics as a trusted utility piece for Finland, much like he’s been for head coach Jim Hiller in Los Angeles. The Kings have leaned on him as a do-it-all forward-offensive support in the bottom six, responsible shifts on the penalty kill, and the kind of player you can throw over the boards in just about any situation. That same Swiss Army knife role is exactly what Finland will be counting on as they chase a medal in Milan.
“It’s great and I’m honored to represent my country,” Armia said. “It’s going to be a great tournament and to be a part of that, I feel like it’s a big accomplishment, for sure. I think we have a great team too, so it’s not like we’re just going to participate-we’re going there to win games.”
That mindset fits the mold of a Finnish squad that may not have the star power of Team Canada or the United States, but is built on depth, structure, and high-end two-way play. Armia fits that identity perfectly.
Finland’s roster features a strong mix of NHL talent, including Florida Panthers forward Anton Lundell, Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho, and Dallas Stars winger Roope Hintz. All three bring a blend of offensive punch and defensive responsibility that’s become a trademark of Finnish hockey on the international stage.
Armia's role won’t be flashy, but it will be vital. Expect him to log key minutes on the penalty kill and provide depth scoring in middle-six situations-exactly the kind of contributions that can tip the scales in a tight Olympic matchup.
The Olympic stage is a new chapter for Armia, but it’s also a reflection of how far he's come over the past year. From a midseason contributor in Montreal to an everyday presence in L.A., and now a key piece for Team Finland, Armia’s trajectory has been quietly impressive.
Finland may not be the tournament favorite, but with a roster built on cohesion, defensive discipline, and players like Armia who can fill multiple roles, they’ll be a tough out for anyone. And if they make a deep run, don’t be surprised if Armia’s name comes up as one of the reasons why.