The Winter Olympic 2026 in Milan-Cortina is getting closer. For the first time since 2014, NHL players are expected to return to the Olympic stage. That alone changes the entire tournament landscape. Fans and analysts are once again projecting rosters filled with top NHL talent. There are still some concerns. The main arena in Milan is under construction.
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The rink size will also be smaller than originally agreed upon by the NHL. Even so, league officials believe players will attend. Assuming that happens, roster projections have already begun. One of the most debated teams is Finland. Finland is usually seen as a strong hockey nation.
They rely on structure, discipline, and elite goaltending. However, the situation looks different heading into the Winter Olympic 2026. Their captain and best player, Aleksander Barkov, will miss the tournament due to injury. That absence changes everything.
The Impact of Losing Aleksander Barkov | Buy Winter Olympic 2026 Tickets
Aleksander Barkov is the engine of Team Finland. He plays in all situations. He wins faceoffs. Barkov shuts down top players. He also contributes offence. Losing him is a massive blow. Barkov was expected to centre the top line. He would also lead the penalty kill. His leadership was vital. Without him, Finland loses its most complete player.
This injury comes after a difficult showing at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Finland failed to win a game in that tournament. Even with Barkov available at the time, the team struggled. That result raised serious questions about Finland’s depth. Without Barkov, the margin for error shrinks even more.
Finland can no longer rely on elite two-way dominance down the middle. They must now spread responsibility across the lineup. Still, Olympic tournaments can be unpredictable. Short schedules allow strong defensive teams to survive. Finland knows how to play that style. That gives them hope for the 2026 Winter Olympic.
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Projected Forward Lines and Offensive Roles | Milano Cortina Tickets Available
Most projections agree on Finland’s core forwards. Sebastian Aho and Roope Hintz will lead the team at center. Together, they form a strong top pairing. Aho brings speed and creativity. Hintz adds size and transition skill. On the wings, Mikko Rantanen is Finland’s biggest star. He is their most dangerous scorer.
He can change games on his own. Teuvo Teravainen, Mikael Granlund, and Artturi Lehkonen provide experience and versatility. These players can move up or down the lineup. The third line has potential. Eetu Luostarainen and Anton Lundell are reliable two-way forwards.
They play responsible hockey. Kaapo Kakko could join them. That depends on health and form. If healthy, Kakko adds puck control and size. The fourth line is less certain. Patrik Laine still has an elite shot. His consistency remains a concern.
The same applies to Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Both players have struggled to meet expectations in the NHL. Finland will need production from at least one of them at the Winter Olympic 2026. Depth scoring remains Finland’s biggest weakness. Compared to Canada or the United States, the gap is clear.
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Defensive Structure and Blue Line Concerns | Buy Winter Olympic Tickets
Finland’s defence starts with Miro Heiskanen. He is the clear leader. He plays heavy minutes. Heiskanen drives offence. He also defends at a high level. Esa Lindell pairs well with him. That top pair is reliable. After that, the quality drops. Niko Mikkola and Rasmus Ristolainen bring size and physical play. They can handle tough minutes.
However, they struggle against speed. That could be an issue on Olympic ice. The third pair raises concerns. Olli Maatta and Juuso Jokiharju are steady but limited. Urho Vaakanainen and Nikolas Matinpalo lack experience at this level. They will face elite attackers every night.
At the Winter Olympic 2026, depth defenders are often targeted. Finland does not have many NHL-quality alternatives. That puts pressure on the top four to stay healthy. The defensive system will need to be tight. Mistakes must be minimised.
Goaltending Could Define Finland’s Tournament | Olympic Tickets Available
Goaltending remains Finland’s biggest strength. Juuse Saros is the clear number one. He is capable of stealing games. He thrives under pressure. In short tournaments, that matters. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is a solid backup. Some projections include Joonas Korpisalo instead. Others prefer Kevin Lankinen. The difference between them is small. The starter will matter most.
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If Saros gets hot, Finland becomes dangerous. Strong goaltending can cover roster weaknesses. It can also frustrate stronger teams. This has been Finland’s formula in the past. It may be their only path at the Winter Olympic 2026.
Can Finland Make a Deep Run at the Winter Olympic 2026?
Finland will be competitive. That is certain. They are well-coached. Finland play disciplined hockey. They understand tournament play. Those traits matter in the Olympics. However, expectations should be realistic. Without Barkov, reaching the final will be difficult. Medal contention depends on matchups and goaltending. A quarterfinal upset is possible. A gold medal run is unlikely.
The team lacks elite depth scoring. The defence beyond the top pair is thin. Against stacked rosters, those gaps are hard to hide. Still, Finland has surprised the hockey world before. If Aho and Hintz dominate. Rantanen catches fire.
If Saros stands on his head. Then anything can happen. The Winter Olympic 2026 will test Finland’s resilience. It will also define this generation of Finnish players. Even without their captain, they will compete hard. They always do.
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