2025 4 Nations Face-Off: Finland’s Roster Announced

Team Finland is a known for its blend of skill, speed, and tactical prowess. The roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off is packed with NHL talent, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Led by elite players like Aleksander Barkov and Sebastian Aho, Finland boasts a strong offensive lineup capable of dominating any opponent. The team’s defense is anchored by standout defensemen such as Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell, providing stability and strength at the blue line. In goal, Finland is fortified by top-tier goaltender Juuse Saros, along with Kevin Lankinen, ensuring a solid last line of defense. With a well-rounded team that excels in all facets of the game, Finland is poised to have an impact in the tournament.

Coaching

Roster

Forwards include Sebastian Aho (Carolina Hurricanes), Joel Armia (Montreal Canadiens), Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers), Mikael Granlund (San Jose Sharks), Erik Haula (New Jersey Devils), Roope Hintz (Dallas Stars), Kaapo Kakko (New York Rangers), Patrik Laine (Montreal Canadiens), Artturi Lehkonen (Colorado Avalanche), Anton Lundell (Florida Panthers), Eetu Luostarinen (Florida Panthers), Mikko Rantanen (Colorado Avalanche), and Teuvo Teravainen (Chicago Blackhawks).

The defensemen are Jani Hakanpaa (Toronto Maple Leafs), Miro Heiskanen (Dallas Stars), Esa Lindell (Dallas Stars), Olli Maatta (Utah Hockey Club), Niko Mikkola (Florida Panthers), Rasmus Ristolainen (Philadelphia Flyers), and Juuso Valimaki (Utah Hockey Club).

The goalies selected are Kevin Lankinen (Vancouver Canucks), Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Buffalo Sabres), and Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators).

Here’s a detailed breakdown of each player from Team Finland, organized by their current NHL team (Alphabetically Listed) and including their current stats and potential impact on the team for the 4 Nations Face-Off:

Buffalo Sabres

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen‘s potential and goaltending skills make him a valuable asset for Team Finland. Standing at 6’5″, his size and athleticism allow him to cover the net effectively, making key saves in crucial moments. His ability to perform under pressure will be important for Finland, especially in high-stakes games. Luukkonen has a solid track record in international play, having led Finland to a gold medal at the 2019 World Junior Championships, where he was named the tournament’s best goaltender. He also won gold at the 2016 World U18 Championships and silver in 2017. These experiences have honed his skills and mental toughness, making him a reliable presence in net. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Luukkonen has posted a record of 8-7-3 with a 2.70 goals-against average (GAA) and a .902 save percentage, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level. His international experience and current form make him a key player for Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Carolina Hurricanes

Sebastian Aho is a dynamic forward known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills. His experience and consistency make him a key offensive threat for Finland, capable of changing the course of a game with his vision and precision. Aho has a rich history of international play, having represented Finland in multiple World Championships and World Junior Championships. He was instrumental in Finland’s gold medal win at the 2016 World Junior Championships, where he was one of the top scorers. Aho also played a significant role in Finland’s silver medal finish at the 2016 IIHF World Championship. His ability to perform under pressure and his leadership qualities make him an invaluable asset to Team Finland. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Aho has been outstanding, As of the 2024-25 NHL season, having played 26 games and has recorded seven goals and 22 assists, totaling 29 point.

Chicago Blackhawks

Teuvo Teravainen’s playmaking skills make him a crucial part of Finland’s offense. His ability to set up teammates and control the pace of the game will be important. Teravainen has extensive international experience, having represented Finland in various tournaments. Notably, he played a key role in Finland’s gold medal win at the 2014 World Junior Championships, where he served as team captain and led the tournament in scoring. He also participated in the 2018 World Championships, contributing significantly to Finland’s performance. As of the 2024-2025 NHL season, Teuvo Teravainen has played 24 games, scoring six goals and six assists, for a total of 12 points. He has a plus/minus rating of -14, with eight power-play points and 44 shots on goal.

Colorado Avalanche

Artturi Lehkonen’s two-way play and experience in high-pressure situations are vital. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him a reliable player in all situations. Lehkonen has a strong international resume, having captained Finland to a gold medal at the 2015 World Junior Championships. He has also represented Finland in various other international tournaments, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Artturi Lehkonen has played 15 games, scoring six goals and 5 assists, for a total of 11 points. He has an even plus/minus rating and has taken 34 shots on goal this season to date.

Mikko Rantanen is one of the top wingers in the NHL, known for his scoring and playmaking. His ability to dominate offensively will be a key factor for Finland. Rantanen has extensive international experience, having represented Finland in multiple World Championships and World Junior Championships. He was a standout player in Finland’s gold medal win at the 2016 World Junior Championships and has continued to excel on the international stage. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Rantanen has been outstanding, recording415 goals and 21 assists, for a total of 36 points, after 24 games.

Dallas Stars

Roope Hintz is a powerful forward with a strong offensive game. His speed and scoring ability make him a significant threat, especially in transition plays. Hintz has represented Finland in various international tournaments, including the World Junior Championships, where he won gold in 2016. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his experience on the international stage add valuable depth to Finland’s roster. As of today, in the 2024-2025 NHL season, Roope Hintz has played 26 games, scoring 11 goals and five assists, for a total of 16 points. He has a plus/minus rating of +2 and has taken 61 shots on goal.

Miro Heiskanen is one of the top young defensemen in the NHL. His skating ability and offensive contributions from the blue line make him a key player for Finland. Heiskanen has extensive international experience, having represented Finland in the World Junior Championships and the World Championships. He played a crucial role in Finland’s gold medal win at the 2016 World Junior Championships and has continued to excel on the international stage. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Miro Heiskanen has played 27 games, scoring four goals and 10 assists, totaling 14 points with a plus/minus rating of +9. His offensive skills and international experience make him a vital player for Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Esa Lindell’s defensive reliability and experience are important for Finland. His ability to play big minutes and contribute in all situations will be crucial. Lindell has represented Finland in multiple international tournaments, including the World Championships, where he won gold in 2014. His experience and leadership on the international stage make him a dependable presence on Finland’s blue line. Esa Lindell has played 27 games, scoring 4 goals and 10 assists, totaling 14 points with a plus/minus rating of +9. His defensive skills and international experience make him a key player for Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Florida Panthers

Aleksander Barkov is one of the NHL’s elite centers, and his leadership and two-way play are invaluable. His ability to dominate both offensively and defensively makes him a cornerstone of Finland’s strategy. Barkov has extensive international experience, having represented Finland in multiple World Championships and the Olympics. He played a key role in Finland’s silver medal win at the 2016 IIHF World Championship and has been a consistent performer on the international stage. In the 2024-25 season, Aleksander Barkov has played 20 games, scoring eight goals and 20 assists, totaling 28 points with a plus/minus rating of +3.

Anton Lundell‘s defensive acumen and playmaking skills are essential for Finland. His ability to shut down opposing players and create scoring chances will be crucial. Lundell has a strong international resume, having won gold at the 2018 IIHF World U18 Championships and the 2019 World Junior Championships. He also captained Finland to a bronze medal at the 2021 World Junior Championships and won silver at the 2021 IIHF World Championship. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Lundell has recorded 8 goals and 11 assists, totaling 19 points with a plus/minus rating of -2 in 27 games. His defensive skills and international experience make him a key player for Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Eetu Luostarinen‘s versatility and defensive reliability add depth to Finland’s lineup. His ability to play in various roles makes him a valuable asset. Luostarinen has represented Finland in several international tournaments, including the World Junior Championships and the World Championships. He was part of the Finnish team that won gold at the 2022 Winter Olympics. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Luostarinen has recorded 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 28 games.

Niko Mikkola‘s size and defensive skills add depth to Finland’s blue line. His ability to play a physical game and shut down opposing forwards will be important. Mikkola has represented Finland in various international competitions, including the World Championships, where he won gold in 2019. His physical presence and defensive reliability make him a valuable asset on Finland’s blue line. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Mikkola has recorded 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists) in 28 games.

Montréal Canadiens

Joel Armia brings a physical presence and defensive reliability to the team. His ability to play in various situations, including penalty kills, adds depth to Finland’s forward lines. Armia has significant international experience, having represented Finland in the World Championships, where he won gold in 2022 and silver in 2023. His defensive skills and ability to perform under pressure make him a valuable asset for Finland. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Armia has recorded 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 27 games.

Patrik Laine’s goal-scoring ability is unmatched. His presence on the power play and his knack for finding the back of the net make him a game-changer for Finland. Laine has a rich history of international play, having represented Finland in multiple World Championships and the World Cup of Hockey. He was named the tournament MVP at the 2016 IIHF World Championship and has medaled three times internationally, including gold at the 2016 World Junior Championships. He has been recently activated off injured reserve and made his season debut for the Montreal Canadiens against the New York Islanders on December 3, 2024. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Laine has already recorded two points (2 goals in 3 games.

Nashville Predators

Juuse Saros is no doubt one of the top goaltenders in the NHL. His ability to make key saves and provide consistent goaltending will be crucial for Finland’s success. Saros has extensive international experience, having represented Finland in multiple World Championships and the Olympics. He won gold at the 2014 World Junior Championships and silver at the 2016 IIHF World Championship. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Saros has posted a 2.66 goals-against average (GAA) and a .910 save percentage.

New Jersey Devils

Erik Haula‘s experience and face-off prowess make him a valuable asset. His ability to win key face-offs and contribute defensively will be important in tight games. Haula has represented Finland in various international tournaments, including the World Championships and the World Cup of Hockey. He won gold at the 2014 World Junior Championships. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Haula has recorded 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in 30 games.

New York Rangers

Kaapo Kakko‘s skill and potential are crucial for Finland. As a young forward, his ability to contribute offensively and his physical play will be key in providing depth scoring. Kakko has a rich history of international play, having won gold at the 2019 World Junior Championships and the 2019 IIHF World Championship. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Kakko has recorded 22 points (4 goals, 10 assists) in 26 games.

Philadelphia Flyers

Rasmus Ristolainen‘s physical play and offensive ability from the blue line make him a key player. His ability to contribute on both ends of the ice will be important for Finland. Ristolainen has extensive international experience, having won gold at the 2014 World Junior Championships and represented Finland in multiple World Championships. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Ristolainen has recordedone goal and seven assists in 28 games.

San Jose Sharks

Mikael Granlund‘s versatility and experience are crucial for Finland. He can play multiple forward positions and is known for his playmaking abilities, which will be vital in creating scoring opportunities. Granlund has represented Finland in numerous international tournaments, including the World Championships and the Olympics. He won gold at the 2011 World Junior Championships and silver at the 2016 IIHF World Championship. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Granlund has recorded 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) in 28 games

Toronto Maple Leafs

Jani Hakanpaa‘s physical presence and defensive skills are vital for Finland. His ability to shut down opposing forwards and contribute on the penalty kill will be crucial. Hakanpaa has represented Finland in various international competitions, including the World Championships, where he won gold in 2019. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Hakanpaa has only taken part in two games for the Maple Leafs, his last on November 13th. We should note that Hakanpaa has been dealing with a knee injury. He underwent a minor procedure and was on long-term injured reserve since the start of the season. Recently, he was activated and played a couple of games with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on a conditioning loan. However, he was placed back on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury. We will need to keep an eye on things as he continues to recover and progress in his rehabilitation.

Utah Hockey Club

Olli Maatta‘s experience and defensive skills are valuable for Finland. His ability to play in key situations and contribute defensively will be crucial. Maatta has represented Finland in multiple international tournaments, including the 2014 Olympics and the World Championships. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Maatta has recorded 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists) in 28 games.

Juuso Valimaki‘s skating and offensive skills add depth to Finland’s defense. His ability to move the puck and contribute offensively will be crucial. Valimaki has represented Finland in several international tournaments, including the World Junior Championships, where he won gold in 2016. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Valimaki has recorded three points (3 assists) in 24 games.

Vancouver Canucks

Kevin Lankinen‘s goaltending skills and experience are vital for Finland. His ability to make key saves and provide stability in net will be crucial. Lankinen has represented Finland in the 2019 World Championship, where he won gold and was one of the top goaltenders in the tournament. For the 2024-25 NHL season, Lankinen has posted a 2.65 goals-against average (GAA) and a .908 save percentage after 20 games.

Strengths

Goaltending: Team Finland boasts strong goaltending with Juuse Saros, Kevin Lankinen, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. Saros, in particular, is one of the best goalies in the league, known for his consistency and high-level performance.

Top-End Talent: Players like Aleksander Barkov, Mikko Rantanen, and Miro Heiskanen bring elite skills and experience, making them key contributors in both offensive and defensive plays1.

Chemistry: Many of the players have existing chemistry from playing together in the NHL or previous international tournaments, which can be crucial in a short tournament format.

Weaknesses

Blueline Depth: Beyond Heiskanen and Lindell, the defensive lineup lacks depth. Players like Juuso Valimaki and Rasmus Ristolainen have shown potential but are not as consistent.

Second Power Play Unit: The second power play unit lacks dynamic options, which could be a disadvantage against stronger teams.

Overall Depth: Compared to other teams in the tournament, Finland’s roster depth is somewhat weaker, particularly in the lower lines and defensive pairs.

Comparison and Impact

Comparison and Impact

Forwards: Finland’s forward group, featuring stars like Aleksander Barkov and Mikko Rantanen, is known for its strong two-way play and offensive capabilities. Players like Sebastian Aho and Patrik Laine add significant scoring punch, while Teuvo Teravainen and Roope Hintz provide playmaking and defensive reliability. This balanced approach allows Finland to adapt to various game situations effectively, making them a versatile and formidable offensive unit.

Defensemen: Finland’s defense, anchored by Miro Heiskanen, is solid. While they may not have the same level of star power as some other teams, players like Esa Lindell and Rasmus Ristolainen bring physicality and defensive stability. Juuso Valimaki and Olli Maatta add depth and versatility, making Finland’s defense capable of holding its own against top offensive threats.

Goalies: Finland’s goaltending is a significant strength, with Juuse Saros being one of the top-tier goalies in the NHL. He is supported by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Kevin Lankinen, providing solid backup options. Saros’s ability to make key saves and provide consistent goaltending will be crucial for Finland’s success, giving them a competitive edge in net.

Overall, Finland’s strength lies in their balanced roster and ability to play a strong two-way game. While they may not have the same level of star power as Canada or the USA, their depth and versatility make them a dark horse opponent in the 4 Nations Face-Off, with a potential to surprise and outperform expectations despite not having the same level of star power as some of the other teams in the tournament.

The 2025 4 Nations Face-Off tournament will take place from February 12-20, 2025. The games will be held in two locations: Montreal, Canada, and Boston, USA. Team Finland will open play on February 13 against the USA at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The tournament will feature teams of NHL players representing Finland, the United States, Canada, and Sweden.