Team Finland
Now we explore the teams that see a combination of NHL and European hockey players. With international rules and ice-size, those European players are usually at a large advantage. Being an NHL held tournament, the representation from players playing internationally will be significantly lower. It wouldn’t be surprising to see 1 or 2 European players at most on the next few teams.
Coaching Staff
Kale Kummola, President (IIHF Vice President)
Matti Nurminen, Executive Director (IIHF General Secretary)
Jere Lehtinen, General Manager
14-year veteran who spent his entire career with Dallas Stars. He played 875 games, scoring 514 points over his NHL career. Had a ton of international experience with Finland during his playing years.
Jarmo Kekalainen, Assistant General Manager (Columbus Blue Jackets GM)
Lauri Marjamaki, Head Coach (SM-Liiga Head Coach)
November 6th Projection
Forwards:
Aleksander Barkov (FLA), Jori Lehtera (STL), Mikko Rantanen (COL), Jussi Jokinen (FLA), Mikael Granlund (MIN), Teuvo Teravainen (CHI), Leo Komarov (TOR), Mikko Koivu (MIN), Teemu Pulkkinen (DET), Valterri Filppula (TB), Joonas Donskoi (SJ), Jesse Puljujarvi (FIN), Erik Haula (MIN)
Defense:
Sami Vatanen (ANA), Rasmus Ristolainen (BUF), Olli Maatta (PIT), Jyrri Jokipakka (DAL), Ville Pokka (CHI), Petteri Lindbohm (STL), Rasmus Rissanen (CAR)
Goalies:
Pekka Rinne (NSH), Antti Niemi (DAL), Tuukka Rask (BOS)
February 9th Projection
Forwards:
Aleksander Barkov (FLA), Jori Lehtera (STL), Mikko Rantanen (COL), Jussi Jokinen (FLA), Mikael Granlund (MIN), Teuvo Teravainen (CHI), Leo Komarov (TOR), Mikko Koivu (MIN), Valterri Filppula (TB), Joonas Donskoi (SJ), Jesse Puljujarvi (FIN), Patrik Laine (FIN), Sebastian Aho (CAR)
Defense:
Sami Vatanen (ANA), Rasmus Ristolainen (BUF), Olli Maatta (PIT), Esa Lindell (DAL), Sami Lepisto (KHL), Julius Honka (DAL)
Goalies:
Pekka Rinne (NSH), Antti Niemi (DAL), Tuukka Rask (BOS)
* new additions in italics
Honorable Mentions:
Teemu Pulkkinen (DET), Erik Haula (MIN), Irko Pakarinen (EDM), Joel Armia (WPG), Lauri Korpikoski (EDM), Tuomo Ruutu (NJ), Kasperi Kapanen (TOR), Ossi Louhivaara (SWI), Juhamatti Aaltonen (KHL), Petri Kontiola (KHL), Teemu Hartikainen (KHL), Janne Pesonen (SWE), Markus Granlund (CGY), Miikka Salomaki (NSH), Joonas Kemppainen (BOS), Roope Hintz (DAL), Jyrri Jokipakka (DAL), Rasmus Rissanen (CAR), Ville Pokka (CHI), Petteri Lindbohm (STL), Anssi Salmela (SWE), Topi Jaakola (KHL), Alex Lintuniemi (LA), Kari Lehtonen (DAL), Antti Raanta (NYR), Karri Ramo (CGY)
November 6th write-up:
10 of the 13 forwards selected should be virtual locks. The debatable forwards might be Donskoi, Haula, Puljujarvi. Jesse Puljujarvi is an interesting one being a highly ranked European skater going into the 2016 NHL Draft. He has World Championship experience and could be playing in the NHL at the beginning of 2016-17. Don’t be surprised if management leans to some international players with success such as Janne Pesonen or Teemu Hartikainen. Not a ton of NHL leadership on this squad, making Barkov and Koivu the possible choices for captain.
The Finnish back-end is a bit thin due to limited options. They’re more likely to go with the seven NHL’ers listed above, although again international success could propel players such as Esa Lindell or Sami Lepisto onto this roster. One thing Finland consistently produces is high-quality goaltenders. Rinne, Niemi, and Rask should be locks for this team, but if Rask continues to fall off the rails, Lehtonen or Raanta could make a case for themselves.
By subtracting Pulkkinen and Haula up-front, we’ve managed to re-create Finland’s star line from the World Juniors. Why not roll with Puljujarvi, Laine, and Aho as your 4th line? Three of those spots on the back-end are interchangeable. The Fin’s have a weak blueline, but could find suitable players across the pond in European leagues.
Next: Team Czech Republic