Finland’s Finest: The Top 10 Active Finnish Stars in the NHL

Artturi Lehkonen represents everything coaches love about Finnish hockey: relentless work ethic, intelligence, and clutch performance. Though not the flashiest player, he consistently delivers in big moments—especially during playoff runs. His versatility allows him to play anywhere in the lineup, excelling defensively while contributing key goals when it matters most. Lehkonen’s tenacity on the forecheck and his ability to win puck battles make him a perfect fit for Colorado’s high-tempo system.

Beyond the stats, he’s a winner—a player who raises his level in pressure situations. Quietly, Lehkonen has become one of Finland’s most valuable NHL competitors.

Teuvo Teräväinen is – since years already – one of the NHL’s most underrated playmakers. His hockey IQ and vision allow him to find teammates with precision passes that few others could execute.

A Stanley Cup champion early in his career, Teräväinen has quietly become a consistent offensive contributor and a reliable two-way winger. He’s versatile—capable of playing anywhere in the lineup—and thrives under pressure.

His calmness and ability to read the game reflect the classic Finnish hockey philosophy: smart, patient, and team-oriented. Though not flashy, his impact is undeniable and deeply respected across the league.

Mikael Granlund is one of the most intelligent and creative Finnish forwards of his generation. Known for his exceptional vision and playmaking, he has the rare ability to slow the game down and make plays others can’t see.

Whether centering a line or playing on the wing, Granlund brings composure and balance to any roster. His experience and leadership have made him a steady presence on rebuilding teams like Anaheim. Though past his offensive peak, his hockey sense and unselfish style remain elite. Granlund’s career reflects Finland’s enduring legacy of producing smart, skilled, and dependable NHL players.

Kaapo Kakko is still developing, but his raw talent and hockey sense make him a key piece of the Kraken’s future. Strong on the puck and deceptively creative, he’s capable of controlling play in tight spaces and generating scoring chances out of nothing.

His two-way game has improved dramatically, showing commitment to both offense and defense. While consistency is still coming, Kakko’s blend of strength, skill, and patience gives him the tools to become a top-line force. He’s part of the next wave of Finnish stars poised to make a major impact in the NHL.

When healthy and focused, Patrik Laine remains one of the NHL’s purest goal scorers. His shot is among the most lethal in hockey—accurate, powerful, and nearly impossible to read. Though his career has faced ups and downs, Laine’s natural offensive instincts and size make him a dangerous weapon.

He can change the outcome of a game in a single shift. Beyond his scoring, Laine’s creativity and confidence embody Finnish flair. If he finds consistency, he still has the potential to dominate offensively and remind everyone why he was once one of the league’s most feared snipers.

Miro Heiskanen is one of the NHL’s most graceful and effective defensemen. His skating is world-class, allowing him to transition the puck effortlessly from defense to offense.

Calm under pressure, Heiskanen rarely makes mistakes, logging massive minutes against top competition. He’s equally effective as a playmaker and shutdown defender, making him the backbone of Dallas’s blue line.

At just 25, he’s already recognized as a top-tier defenseman with Norris Trophy potential. Heiskanen represents the Finnish hockey ideal: poised, smart, and technically brilliant in every aspect of the game.

Sebastian Aho is the heartbeat of the Carolina Hurricanes. A natural leader and clutch performer, he blends vision, agility, and an incredible hockey mind to control the pace of play.

Aho’s playmaking and finishing ability make him dangerous in every situation—power play, penalty kill, or even strength. His relentless work ethic and ability to rise in big moments have made him one of the NHL’s most respected forwards.

Aho consistently leads the Canes in scoring and plays with the quiet confidence typical of Finnish greats. He’s the model of skill meeting discipline.

Juuse Saros may not be the biggest goaltender, but his agility, anticipation, and technical precision make him one of the NHL’s elite netminders. Taking over from Pekka Rinne was no easy task, yet Saros has done it seamlessly, often stealing games for Nashville.

His lateral quickness and positioning are impeccable, and his calm demeanor inspires confidence in his teammates. Year after year, Saros keeps the Predators competitive, posting stellar save percentages and highlight-reel stops. He represents the next generation of Finnish goaltending excellence—undersized but unbeatable when it matters most.

Mikko Rantanen has firmly become one of the NHL’s premier power forwards. 

Rantanen’s shot is lethal, his puck protection unmatched, and his ability to dominate in clutch situations speaks volumes about his talent. A consistent 40+ goal threat and a Stanley Cup champion, he embodies the modern Finnish star—calm, disciplined, and deadly efficient. Rantanen is the cornerstone of Finland’s offensive excellence in today’s NHL.

Aleksander Barkov is the definition of a complete hockey player.

The Florida Panthers’ captain combines world-class defensive awareness with silky offensive hands. Winner of the Selke Trophy, he’s often compared to legends like Patrice Bergeron for his two-way mastery. Barkov’s quiet leadership and unselfish play make everyone around him better. He plays every situation—power play, penalty kill, overtime—with effortless confidence.

His vision, poise, and composure under pressure have helped Florida become a consistent contender. For Finland, he’s the ultimate role model: humble, skilled, and always focused on team success.