How Many NHL Players are Representing Finland at the Winter Olympics?
As Team Finland battles for Olympic glory, a significant number of NHL players are proudly donning the blue and white. The presence of these skilled athletes is a testament to Finland’s growing influence in the National Hockey League and a source of excitement for fans of both international and professional hockey. This article dives into the key NHL contributors to Finland’s Olympic roster, focusing on players like Kaapo Kakko and Eeli Tolvanen, and what their performance means for both the national team and their NHL club, the Seattle Kraken.
Kakko and Tolvanen: Leading the Charge
Kaapo Kakko and Eeli Tolvanen are currently shining on the international stage, gaining confidence as Finland takes on Canada in Winter Olympic semifinal action. The Seattle Kraken are keenly observing their progress, hoping this momentum will translate into a strong playoff push upon their return. Kakko, in particular, views the 2026 Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina as another crucial opportunity to prove himself against the world’s elite.
Kakko had a challenging start to the season with a broken hand sidelining him for six weeks, followed by a lower-body injury that caused a further 15-day absence. However, he’s been steadily regaining his form, demonstrating increased effort and effectiveness on the ice. Kraken General Manager Jason Botterill notes Kakko’s improved performance in January, where he scored four goals and added eight assists in 17 games. “With Kakko, you have to look at the entire year,” Botterill stated. “I thought he had a great training camp going, then got injured…And now, going into his national team, playing against the best players in the world and having a strong role there…these are some of the things we’re looking for him to deliver with the Seattle Kraken.”
Tolvanen’s Versatility and Rising Career
Eeli Tolvanen is also making a significant impact for Finland, showcasing his versatility and solid two-way game. While he has one goal in the tournament so far, he’s proving to be a valuable asset on a team boasting offensive powerhouses like Mikko Rantanen and Sebastian Aho. Tolvanen’s season has been arguably his best yet, trending towards a personal best in points and playing more minutes than ever before.
Botterill highlights Tolvanen’s adaptability: “What you’re realizing right now with someone like Tolvy is just the versatility that a player like that has…Our organization has sort of bounced him around in different roles, but he’s always been effective.”
A History of Success
Both Kakko and Tolvanen bring a winning pedigree to the Finnish team. Kakko has a history of success in international tournaments, including gold medals at the World Juniors (2019) and the IIHF World Championship (2019). He even holds the distinction of being the youngest player to win gold at the IIHF U18, World Juniors, and IIHF Men’s Worlds. Tolvanen also boasts an impressive international resume, with a standout performance at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games and a strong showing at the 2023 IIHF World Hockey Championship.
Botterill believes that bringing in players with a proven track record of success is a key strategy for the Kraken. “What we’ve tried to bring in to the Kraken are players who’ve had past success…And when you look at Kakko and Tolvy, I know both players are very proud of their Finnish heritage and they’ve always had success when they’ve put on that Finnish jersey.”
Looking Ahead
The Kraken are eagerly anticipating the return of Kakko and Tolvanen, hoping their Olympic experience will translate into a strong playoff push. Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen praised Kakko’s performance, noting his ability to hold onto the puck and be tough to play against. Botterill shares this optimism, hoping the confidence and excitement gained during the Olympics will fuel a successful finish to the season.
You can find more information about the Winter Olympics at the official Olympics website and NHL news at NHL.com.
