NHL.com recently published a story by Mike Heika highlighting the group of Dallas Stars players representing Finland men's national ice hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The article explains how Mikko Rantanen, Roope Hintz, Mikael Granlund, Esa Lindell, and Miro Heiskanen, known as the “Finnish Mafia,” bring established chemistry from their time together in Dallas, which the team hopes will give Finland an advantage in the short Olympic tournament.

The piece details how Rantanen, Hintz, and Granlund are expected to form Finland’s top forward line, having played extensively together during the 2024-25 NHL season and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. On defense, Lindell and Heiskanen are projected to anchor Finland’s top pairing, with the two having improved their partnership under Dallas coach Glen Gulutzan this season.

Heika’s article also highlights Finland’s roster challenges, noting injuries to key players like Aleksander Barkov and Ukko-Pekka Luukonen, which increases the importance of the Stars contingent performing at a high level. The story emphasizes how prior chemistry among the Dallas players could be a major advantage in a tournament where teams have limited preparation time before elimination rounds begin.

Fans can read the full NHL.com article to see how these familiar Dallas faces are positioned to make a significant impact for Finland on the Olympic stage. The coverage showcases the excitement and potential of the “Finnish Mafia” as they pursue gold in Milan.