Finland has picked 24 NHL players for its Olympic men’s hockey team, aiming to defend its gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games. Notably absent is Aleksander Barkov, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, who had surgery on his knee. To fill his spot, Finland has selected Oliver Kapanen, who did not compete in last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off.
Mikko Lehtonen, the only European-based player on the roster, was part of the gold-medal-winning team in Beijing in 2022 and has played eight games this season for Zurich. Most of Finland’s team remains unchanged from the 4 Nations Face-Off, including all three goalies: Kevin Lankinen, Juuse Saros, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Only Urho Vaakanainen, a defenseman with the New York Rangers, did not make the cut.
Dallas and Florida have strong representation on the team, boasting several key players like Miro Heiskanen and Roope Hintz from the Stars, alongside the Panthers’ trio: Niko Mikkola, Eetu Luostarinen, and Anton Lundell.
On Sweden’s side, the team has introduced new goaltenders: Jesper Wallstedt, Filip Gustavsson, and Jacob Markstrom. Coach Sam Hallam has made some changes from the 4 Nations Face-Off, where Sweden didn’t lose in regulation. Notable departures include goalies Linus Ullmark and Samuel Ersson, defenseman Mattias Ekholm, and forward Viktor Arvidsson.
Among the newcomers is Gabriel Landeskog, who returned last spring after two seasons out due to a knee injury. Interestingly, he is one of the few players participating in the Olympics who also played in Sochi in 2014. Victor Hedman, once overlooked for selection, is currently on injured reserve after elbow surgery. However, the Tampa Bay Lightning expect him back before the Olympic break.
The atmosphere around these selections reflects a mix of anticipation and debates among fans and analysts. Recent surveys show a significant percentage of hockey fans are excited about these Olympic matches, with many considering the performance of players like Barkov crucial to their teams’ success.
As nations gear up for the Olympics, attention is also on how injuries and player availability will impact the teams. This year’s roster decisions could significantly influence Finland and Sweden’s chances on the international stage.
For more detailed information, check the official announcements from the Olympics here and see Sweden’s selections here.
