The 2026 Winter Olympics have officially commenced, yet the men’s hockey competition is set to begin next week, on Wednesday, February 11. Teams to watch include the competitive powerhouses of Team USA and Team Canada, both expected to lead the charge. However, they will not have an easy path, as teams like Finland—who clinched gold in the 2022 Olympics without NHL players— and Sweden bring formidable talent to the ice.
Finland is fielding a nearly complete roster of NHL players, with just one player not signed to an NHL team. The anticipation lies in how this team will stack up against the formidable squads of USA and Canada. Among the players to watch is Mikko Rantanen, a prominent figure since his early days with the Colorado Avalanche.
Rantanen has made headlines recently, having been traded multiple times—first to the Carolina Hurricanes and then to the Dallas Stars—where he currently showcases his talents. This season, he has played 54 games for the Stars, netting 20 goals and providing 49 assists for a total of 69 points. If he maintains this pace, he could approach the 100-point mark for the third time in his career. With 30 of those points coming from power play opportunities, he is likely to feature prominently in Finland’s power play unit. However, his challenge will be avoiding the penalty box, as he has accumulated significant penalty minutes this season. Keeping his focus on the ice will be crucial for Finland’s success.
Another standout player from the Stars is Miro Heiskanen, a significant contributor on defense. Heiskanen has garnered 46 points in 55 games, signaling his prowess both offensively and defensively, with seven of those points as goals and 39 as assists. His defensive accolades include a remarkable 102 blocked shots this season, reflecting his ability to blend offensive skill with solid defensive play. Heiskanen is known for logging substantial ice time, nearly 26 minutes per game, ranking among the league leaders. His presence will bolster Finland’s defensive strength as they strive to replicate their past success.
Team Finland’s roster would not be complete without Sebastian Aho, a key player for the Carolina Hurricanes. Since his debut in the 2016-2017 season, Aho has emerged as a standout with 20 goals and 37 assists for 57 points this season. His versatility extends to contributing in both shorthanded and power play situations, highlighting his all-around skill set. Aho’s physicality, evidenced by 51 hits this season, adds to his value, making him effective in both offensive and defensive roles. His success in faceoffs will also be critical for Finland’s strategy as they aim for another gold medal.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on how Finland leverages its NHL talents against other elite teams. With the return of NHL players to the Olympics, the competition’s intensity and skill level are poised to rise dramatically. Finland will look to defend their gold medal, and with their roster filled with talent, fans are hopeful for another successful campaign.