NHL EDGE Highlights Sleeper Nations for 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina
The 2026 Winter Olympics, set to take place in Milano Cortina, is drawing attention to several nations with promising hockey talent. Finland, despite missing its star center Aleksander Barkov, remains a formidable contender.
Finnish Hockey Strengths
Finland’s roster features notable players who excel in advanced metrics. Here’s a snapshot of their key players:
- Mikko Rantanen (Dallas Stars): Tied for sixth in the NHL with 17 high-danger goals.
- Sebastian Aho (Carolina Hurricanes): Tied for eighth in midrange goals with 12.
- Artturi Lehkonen (Colorado Avalanche): Ranks highly in both high-danger shots on goal and goals.
- Roope Hintz and defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell: All key contributors from the Dallas Stars.
Scoring Potential
Despite the absence of Barkov, Finland’s offensive capabilities remain impressive. Aho stands out with exceptional performance in midrange areas, ranking in the 97th percentile for shots on goal.
Power Play Strategy
Finland’s power play at practice showcases a strong lineup including:
- Mikko Rantanen
- Sebastian Aho
- Roope Hintz
- Mikael Granlund
- Miro Heiskanen
Statistical Highlights of Roope Hintz
Roope Hintz is a standout player with remarkable speed and scoring abilities:
- 22+ mph speed bursts: 33 (99th percentile; third in NHL)
- 20+ mph speed bursts: 258 (99th percentile; fifth in NHL)
- Maximum skating speed: 23.61 mph (98th percentile)
- High-danger shots on goal: 70 (98th percentile)
- Hardest shot: 92.04 mph (91st percentile)
- Power-play skating distance: 23.87 miles (91st percentile)
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Finland is poised to showcase its hockey prowess, supported by a lineup full of advanced statistics and potent scoring potential.
