Finland and Sweden name rosters for Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics

Reigning Olympic champions Finland have selected a 25-man roster dominated by NHL talent for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, while Sweden has introduced fresh faces in net ahead of the tournament. The announcements came on January 2, 2026, highlighting continuity for the Finns despite a major absence and strategic tweaks for the Swedes following their strong showing at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Both teams draw heavily from NHL rosters, setting the stage for high-stakes international competition starting February 11. For context on how these lineups stack up globally, check out 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic hockey roster predictions for USA and Canada.

Finland builds around experience minus Barkov

Aleksander Barkov, the two-time Stanley Cup winner and Florida Panthers captain, will miss the Olympics after knee surgery to repair torn ligaments from training camp. His absence leaves a void in leadership and center ice, but Finland turned to Montreal Canadiens forward Oliver Kapanen to help fill it. Kapanen, who sat out the 4 Nations early last year, adds youthful energy.

The roster features 24 NHL players and one European active skater, defenseman Mikko Lehtonen of Zurich. Lehtonen was part of Finland’s gold-medal team at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, bringing proven international pedigree with eight games under his belt this season.

Finland’s goaltending trio remains unchanged from the 4 Nations squad: Kevin Lankinen, Juuse Saros, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. This continuity underscores trust in their netminders, who posted strong results in recent tournaments. On defense, New York Rangers’ Urho Vaakanainen returns as the lone addition not carried over from prior events, while he stands as the only NHL Finnish blueliner overlooked—no, the source clarifies Vaakanainen is the only one not returning from 4 Nations and the only NHL Finnish D not chosen? Parsing: most 4 Nations players back, Vaakanainen only D change.

Up front and back, the Finns emphasize NHL depth, with the vast majority of their 4 Nations team intact much like rivals USA and Canada.

Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers anchor Finland’s lineup

The Dallas Stars lead all clubs with four representatives: Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, Esa Lindell, and Mikko Rantanen. Heiskanen’s elite puck-moving and Hintz’s two-way play make them cornerstones, while Lindell provides shutdown reliability.

Florida Panthers contribute three despite Barkov’s injury: Niko Mikkola, Eetu Luostarinen, and Anton Lundell. Mikkola bolsters the blue line with physicality, Luostarinen offers versatility, and Lundell brings scoring touch from the third line.

These club connections highlight Finland’s NHL pipeline strength. Full details on the squad are available on the official Olympics page for Finland’s roster.

• Dallas Stars (4): Miro Heiskanen (D), Roope Hintz (F), Esa Lindell (D), Mikko Rantanen (F)
• Florida Panthers (3): Niko Mikkola (D), Eetu Luostarinen (F), Anton Lundell (F)
• Goaltenders: Kevin Lankinen, Juuse Saros, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

This representation promises chemistry from shared systems.

Sweden refreshes with new goalies and returnees

Sweden coach Sam Hallam opted for a goaltending overhaul, selecting Minnesota Wild’s Jesper Wallstedt and Filip Gustavsson alongside New Jersey Devils’ Jacob Markstrom. This swaps out Linus Ullmark and Samuel Ersson from the 4 Nations, where Sweden avoided regulation losses.

Defensively, Mattias Ekholm is out, while forward Viktor Arvidsson also sits. These changes aim to inject freshness into a squad that impressed internationally last year.

Gabriel Landeskog headlines the newcomers, returning after two seasons lost to a chronic knee injury. The former Avalanche captain, a Sochi 2014 Olympian, pairs with Philip Broberg, Pontus Holmberg, and Alex Wennberg for added depth. Landeskog’s grit could prove pivotal.

Victor Hedman, snubbed in 2014 but named early to this roster, is sidelined on IR post-elbow surgery. Tampa Bay expects his return before the Olympic break in February. More on Sweden’s squad via the Olympics confirmation.

Key implications for group play and medal hopes

Finland’s roster blends veterans and rising stars, positioning them to defend gold effectively. Barkov’s absence tests their depth, but stars like Heiskanen and Saros provide elite talent. Kapanen’s inclusion signals faith in the next generation.

Sweden’s tweaks prioritize goaltending upside with Wallstedt’s prospect pedigree and Markstrom’s experience. Landeskog’s comeback adds narrative intrigue, potentially elevating their attack.

As with projections for Team USA’s roster, these selections reflect NHL availability and form. Both nations enter as favorites in a field reloaded with top talent.

The Milano Cortina tournament promises rivalries renewed, with Finland and Sweden eyeing podium spots. Expect these rosters to evolve slightly before puck drop, but the cores signal medal contention. Fans should mark February 2026—NHL stars back on Olympic ice could redefine the sport’s global stage.