As the excitement builds for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, nations are beginning to unveil the first names on their preliminary rosters for the men's ice hockey tournament. Among them, Finland, a perennial powerhouse in international hockey, has announced its initial six players, signaling their intent to compete for a medal. This marks the return of NHL players to the Olympics since 2014, adding another layer of anticipation to the event.
The Finnish Ice Hockey Association, in collaboration with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), the National Hockey League (NHL), the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA), and the International Olympic Committee, revealed the names, showcasing a blend of seasoned veterans and current NHL stars. These first six players provide a strong foundation for the team, balancing offensive skill, defensive stability, and goaltending prowess.
Here's a look at the first six players named to Finland's preliminary roster:
Sebastian Aho (Carolina Hurricanes): Aho, a 27-year-old center from Rauma, is a three-time NHL All-Star (2019, 2022, 2024) and a key offensive player for the Carolina Hurricanes. With 631 points (283 goals, 348 assists) in 677 NHL games, Aho brings a wealth of scoring talent and international experience, having competed in multiple IIHF World Championships.
Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers): The 29-year-old captain of the Florida Panthers, Barkov is a dominant two-way center. He has led his team to the Stanley Cup Final three times, winning the championship in 2024. A two-time NHL All-Star (2018, 2023), Barkov has accumulated 782 points (286 goals, 496 assists) in 804 NHL games, showcasing his elite playmaking and goal-scoring abilities.
Miro Heiskanen (Dallas Stars): An All-Star defenseman, the 25-year-old from Espoo has been a cornerstone of the Dallas Stars' defense since entering the league in 2018. Known for his smooth skating and hockey sense, Heiskanen averages over 24 minutes of ice time per game and has recorded 283 points (58 goals, 225 assists) in 475 NHL games.
Esa Lindell (Dallas Stars): Lindell, 31, is a steady and reliable presence on the Dallas Stars' blue line. With 217 points (54 goals, 163 assists) in 684 NHL games, Lindell provides valuable defensive contributions and experience.
Mikko Rantanen (Colorado Avalanche): Rantanen, a 28-year-old forward for the Colorado Avalanche, brings a combination of size, skill, and scoring touch. He played a crucial role in the Avalanche's 2022 Stanley Cup victory and has been named an NHL All-Star twice (2019, 2023).
Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators): Saros, a 30-year-old goaltender, has established himself as one of the NHL's top netminders. An NHL All-Star in 2022 and 2023, Saros has a career record of 202-150-38 with a 2.68 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage in 408 games with the Nashville Predators. His stellar play in goal will be crucial to Finland's success.
These initial selections highlight Finland's commitment to fielding a competitive team. With a mix of offensive firepower, defensive stability, and elite goaltending, Finland is aiming to build upon its rich history in Olympic ice hockey. The remaining roster spots will be announced later this year, and expectations are high that the final team will be a strong contender for a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
