The NHL announced recently that they aren’t able to host the much anticipated World Cup of Hockey in 2024. The event is now scheduled to be held in 2025 however there is still much uncertainty. With controversy surrounding Russia’s eligibility as well as the return of Team North America and Team Europe, there are still question marks. With that in mind, we do know that we will see the likes of Canada, the USA, Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic. These five hockey powers all have immense talent pools and in this series will project who we could see suit up for their respective nations.
Next up in the series, we have Team Finland. The Finns are always a threat to winning in any tournament they play. They have the star power to compete with the big guns in this tourney. However, this Finnish team isn’t as deep as the likes of Canada, the USA, and even Sweden. Let’s take a look at the potential Team Finland’s roster that we could see in 2025.
Projecting Team Finland Roster
Forwards
T. Teravainen-A. Barkov-M. Rantanen
P. Laine-S. Aho- J. Puljujarvi
M. Granlund-R. Hintz-K. Kakko
A. Lehkonen-A. Lundell-E. Lustorainen
HM’s: M. Maccelli, J. Kotkaniemi, K. Kapanen, J. Armia, E. Tolvanen, E. Haula
Team Finland’s forward core is one of the most intriguing in the tournament. They have some great star power up front, led by the likes of Barkov, Rantanen, Aho, and Roope Hintz. However, their bottom six lacks the depth of some of the tournament’s powerhouse teams. The bottom six does however feature Huntz and Lundell who are both great two-way centers.
The rest of the team’s bottom six is also complimented by two-way wingers so it’s not to say that they still can’t be effective. The most intriguing part of this forward group, however, is its second line. The line features Sebastian Aho, Patrik Laine, and Jesse Puljujarvi. As many might remember, they formed one of the most dominant world junior lines in history several years back. The Finnish coaches would be wise to give this trio another try together to see if they can regain their chemistry together once more.
Youngsters Mattias Maccelli who has found some success this year, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who has not, could also wind up on this squad. The same could be said for Eli Tolvanen, all is dependent on their trajectory over the next few seasons. If not, Team Finland could opt to go with more experience instead. Players like Joel Armia, Erik Haula, and Kasperi Kapanen could also find their way onto the team.
Defense
M. Heiskanen-H, Jokiharju
E. Lindell-J. Hakanpaa
V. Heinola- L. Thomson
HM’s: O. Maata, R. Ristolainen
The first thing you’ll notice about this Finnish defense is that half of it is the Dallas Stars defense core. Led by Miro Heiskanen who has quickly become an elite NHL defenceman, the defense features three Stars players. However, it’s a fairly thin defense core outside of Heiskanen and Esa Lindell. Hakanpaa is a bottom pair d-man and Jokiharju, Heinola, and Lassi Thomson are unproven at the pro level. The Finns will need some good developmental years out of those three if this defense is to have any success.
Goalies
J. Saros
V. Husso
HM’s: A. Raanta, K. Kahkonen, K. Lankinen
The Finns are as strong as any team in goal at this tournament. Juuse Saros has developed into one of the league’s premier keepers over the last few years. He should be the team’s starter at this tournament but don’t count out Ville Husso just yet either. The young goaltender has found some success in a starting role with the Red Wings this year after signing in the offseason. If his play continues we could potentially see him challenge Saaros for the starting role.
While the Team Finland roster isn’t as deep as Canada, the USA, and Sweden’s teams, they still will ice a formidable squad. Their forward core is deep down the middle and is loaded with star power in the top six. If the forward group can find some chemistry and play an effective two-way game, they will have success. The big struggle will be on defense as outside of Heiskanen it appears to be thin. However, they will have to hope Saaros and Husso can make up for the lack of quality defensemen.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
