Seattle Kraken forwards Eeli Tolvanen and Kaapo Kakko have been named to Team Finland's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy. The announcement was made today, January 2nd, 2026, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming Olympic Games.

Tolvanen, a right winger for the Kraken, has been a significant contributor to his team this season. In 38 games, he has recorded seven goals and 18 assists, totaling 25 points. Beyond his scoring ability, Tolvanen also leads the Kraken in hits, showcasing his physical play and commitment to the team. His two-way play has earned him the trust of coach Lane Lambert, resulting in his deployment in various situations. Tolvanen's versatility is expected to be a valuable asset for Team Finland.

This won't be Tolvanen's first time representing Finland on the international stage. He previously competed in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, where he tallied three goals and six assists in five games. He also has experience in the IIHF World Junior Championship and the IIHF Men's World Championship.

Kakko, also a forward for the Kraken, brings his own set of skills to Team Finland. Before the announcement, Tolvanen expressed his enthusiasm for representing his country, a sentiment likely shared by Kakko.

Kakko's journey to the NHL saw him drafted second overall by the New York Rangers in 2019. After spending the first five and a half years of his NHL career with the Rangers, Kakko was traded to Seattle on December 18, 2024. Internationally, Kakko was part of the 2019 Finnish squad that won gold at the World Juniors, even scoring the game-winning goal in the final. He also won gold at the IIHF Men's World Championship in 2019 and the World U18 tourney in 2018. Kakko stands as the youngest player in ice hockey history to win gold at all three tournaments.

The inclusion of Tolvanen and Kakko underscores the strong Finnish presence in the NHL and their importance to the national team. They will be joined by other notable Finnish players from around the league, including Sebastian Aho, Mikael Granlund, and Miro Heiskanen. Goaltender Juuse Saros was among the first players named to the team.

Finland has a rich history in Olympic ice hockey, with 18 appearances and a gold medal win at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. With a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars like Tolvanen and Kakko, Team Finland aims to contend for another gold medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics.