Finland has made a last-minute adjustment to its roster for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Boston Bruins goaltender Joonas Korpisalo steps in as an injury replacement for Buffalo Sabres netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The defending champions from Beijing 2022 aim to repeat their success with NHL stars returning for the first time since 2014.
This change comes just days before the NHL Olympic break begins on Friday. All eyes are on Team Finland’s goaltending trio as they prepare for a tough group stage.
Luukkonen’s injury derails Olympic dreams
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen suffered a lower-body injury during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 27. He left at 12:14 of the first period in Buffalo’s 7-4 victory but has not returned to the ice since.
Sabres coach Lindy Ruff provided cautious updates earlier in the week. “We really haven’t talked about [the Olympics] yet,” Ruff said on January 29. “We don’t want to rule it out or rule it however we have to rule it. Let’s just see where we get by early next week.”
Luukkonen was slotted as the No. 3 goalie behind Juuse Saros and Kevin Lankinen. His strong season—11-7-2 record, 2.73 goals-against average, and .903 save percentage in 21 games—made him a promising Olympic debutant.
The 26-year-old Finn had earned his spot on the initial roster unveiled in January. Now sidelined, his absence tests Finland’s depth just as the tournament nears.
This marks another blow for Finland after losing captain Aleksander Barkov to a knee injury in September. The Panthers star tore ligaments during training camp and was replaced earlier.
Recovery timelines remain unclear for Luukkonen. Buffalo prioritizes his NHL health amid a playoff push.
Joonas Korpisalo steps into the spotlight
Boston Bruins goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, from Pori, Finland, fills the vacancy. This will be his first Olympics, following a stint at the 2017 IIHF World Championship.
Korpisalo has posted a 10-8-1 record this season with a 3.12 GAA, .895 save percentage, and one shutout in 21 games (19 starts). His steady play has bolstered the Bruins’ crease.
He joins teammate defenseman Henri Jokiharju on Team Finland. Bruins fans recently saw Korpisalo stand tall in a 4-3 overtime win against the Sabres, denying tie attempts.
The 31-year-old brings NHL experience from Ottawa, Columbus, and now Boston. His selection underscores Finland’s trust in battle-tested talent.
Korpisalo expressed excitement about the honor. “It means a lot,” he shared upon the announcement.
As detailed in our coverage of the roster update, this move maintains Finland’s competitive edge.
Finland’s formidable goaltending trio
Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators is expected to start as the top goalie. Kevin Lankinen of the Vancouver Canucks backs him up, with Korpisalo now as the third option.
All three are Olympic debutants. Their NHL pedigrees promise a strong crease for the Finns.
Here’s the updated goaltending lineup:
- Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators, NHL)
- Kevin Lankinen (Vancouver Canucks, NHL)
- Joonas Korpisalo (Boston Bruins, NHL)
This depth mirrors Finland’s 2022 gold-medal success without NHLers. Now with stars like Sebastian Aho and Miro Heiskanen, expectations soar.
The trio’s combined experience spans hundreds of NHL games. They form a reliable unit against top offenses.
Injuries aside, Finland’s netminders rank among the tournament’s best. Their performance could define another medal run.
Navigating challenges without Barkov
Aleksander Barkov, the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion, was initially named but sidelined by a September knee injury. He tore ligaments in Florida Panthers camp.
The Panthers forward was eyed as captain. His absence shifts leadership to players like Aho.
Finland unveiled its full roster in January, blending youth and vets. Stars such as Roope Hintz and Mikko Rantanen lead the attack.
For more on similar roster shakes, see Canada’s replacement story.
Despite setbacks, the Finns enter as favorites. NHL participation elevates the field dramatically.
Group play tests resilience early. Adaptability will be key.
Group stage schedule and gold defense path
Finland opens against Slovakia on February 11 at 10:40 a.m. ET. A win sets a strong tone.
Next comes rival Sweden on February 13. These Nordic clashes often deliver drama.
Host Italy closes group play on February 14. Expect a fired-up crowd in Milan.
Full preliminary schedule:
- February 11: Finland vs. Slovakia (10:40 a.m. ET, Peacock, USA)
- February 13: Finland vs. Sweden
- February 14: Finland vs. Italy
Top teams advance to knockout rounds. Medal hopes hinge on early momentum.
Finland’s blend of skill and grit positions them well. Korpisalo’s timely addition bolsters confidence.
Outlook for Team Finland’s title defense
Finland enters the Milano Cortina Games as gold medal defenders from 2022. NHL stars return, raising the bar.
Injuries to Luukkonen and Barkov test depth, but replacements like Korpisalo keep them elite. The goaltending trio offers stability.
Watch for standout performances from Saros and emerging forwards. Rivalries with Sweden and Canada loom large.
This roster change signals resilience. Finland remains a podium lock, with eyes on back-to-back golds. The tournament promises thrilling hockey ahead.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.