Sharks Forward Named Part Of Leadership Group For Finland At 4 Nations

San Jose Sharks forward Mikael Granlund was named as an alternate captain for Team Finland at the Four Nations Face-Off.

San Jose Sharks forward Mikael Granlund was named as an alternate captain for Team Finland at the Four Nations Face-Off.

Granlund has repeatedly worn a letter for his home nation, including during the 2024 IIHF World Championship.

The veteran forward is having a return-to-form season for the San Jose Sharks, with 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 51 games. His leadership of players like William Eklund and Fabian Zetterlund has dramatically helped their development. 

With the March 7th NHL Trade Deadline just a few weeks away, Granlund's name has popped up heavily in rumors. He is a high-value potential trade piece as a pending unrestricted free agent. Sharks GM Mike Grier told reporters there is no chance he will ask his highest-value trade piece to sit the Four Nations tournament. 

"No. Being a player, when you get a chance to play for your country, and especially an event like this, and an event like the Olympics, it's just too special of an opportunity. As an athlete, it's something I'm sure he's dreamt about his whole life. I think he's played in the Olympics before and things like that. But when you can play against, go best on, best, represent your country, I think it's, I think it's awesome," Grier said. "I wish him the best. Knowing what it would have meant to me to be able to do something like that, I wouldn't ask someone, even though maybe it's in the best interest of us, ask them otherwise."

Florida Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov was named the captain of Team Finland. 

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