Seattle Kraken wingers Kaapo Kakko and Eeli Tolvanen have been named to Team Finland's 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic roster. Kakko played on Team Finland's 2025 4 Nations Face-Off roster, skating in two games and notching one assist. Now in his second season with the Kraken, Kakko is beginning to find his game again, but injuries have hampered the campaign. In 22 games, the 24-year-old has scored just two goals and nine points. His spot on the roster is determined by what he's done previously for Finland, while Tolvanen's selection is based on his stellar play. The 26-year-old ranks second on the team in points, recording seven goals and 25 points in 38 games. His shooting percentage is lower than it has been in recent years, but his playmaking has hit a new level, on pace for a career high in assists (39) and points (54). Tolvanen was a surprise omission from Finland's 4 Nations Face-Off roster, but he put the work in to earn a spot on their Olympic team. He joined Finland's 2025 World Championship roster, where he recorded seven goals and nine points in eight games, ranking second in goals among all players. Finland will be hard-pressed to win a medal at this tournament without superstar center Aleksander Barkov, their captain. The Florida Panther [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers] is out with an ACL injury and won't be ready in time for the Olympics. Kaapo Kakko (Eric Bolte-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/352b23fd-cb91-441c-a95d-2e5dcf054db2.jpeg] Kaapo Kakko (Eric Bolte-Imagn Images) Finland's roster: Forwards: Joel Armia, Los Angeles Kings Sebastian Aho, Carolina Hurricanes Mikael Granlund, Anaheim Ducks Erik Haula, Nashville Predators Roope Hintz, Dallas Stars Kaapo Kakko, Seattle Kraken Oliver Kapanen, Montreal Canadiens Joel Kiviranta, Colorado Avalanche Artturi Lehkonen, Colorado Avalanche Anton Lundell, Florida Panthers Eetu Luostarinen, Florida Panthers Mikko Rantanen, Dallas Stars Teuvo Teravainen, Chicago Blackhawks Eeli Tolvanen, Seattle Kraken Defenseman: Miro Heiskanen, Dallas Stars Henri Jokiharju, Boston Bruins Mikko Lehtonen, ZSC Lions (NLA) Esa Lindell, Dallas Stars Olli Maatta, Utah Mammoth Nikolas Matinpalo, Ottawa Senators Niko Mikkola, Florida Panthers Rasmus Ristolainen, Philadelphia Flyers Goaltenders: Kevin Lankinen, Vancouver Canucks Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Buffalo Sabres Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/fe1f233b-9118-4092-9241-e989ef182aa5.jpeg] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription?_gl=1*9qwj19*_ga*NDAxOTY4NTMuMTc1NTg5NTA0Mg..*_ga_ZET34ZFCGX*czE3NjI2NDY0OTQkbzMwMyRnMSR0MTc2MjY0NzMzOSRqNDgkbDAkaDA.]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
