Patrik Laine’s recent return to the Montreal Canadiens has been met with enthusiasm, highlighted by his selection for Finland’s national team for the upcoming Four Nations Clash. After scoring in his comeback game against the New York Islanders, Laine is excited to wear the national jersey again since 2016. He will join teammate Joel Armia on the roster, which also includes other NHL stars. The tournament promises to showcase top talent, with games broadcasted on TVA Sports.
In a thrilling turn of events, Patrik Laine’s recent return to the Montreal Canadiens is being celebrated not just for his performance on the ice, but also for his selection to Finland’s national team. The talented 26-year-old forward has been named to the 23-player roster for the upcoming Four Nations Clash scheduled for February.
Laine made an impressive comeback by scoring a goal in his first game back with the Canadiens against the New York Islanders. His inclusion in the Finnish roster marks a significant moment, as this will be his first opportunity to don the national jersey since the World Hockey Championship in the summer of 2016.
Joining Forces with Fellow Canadiens Player
Laine will be accompanied by another Canadiens player, Joel Armia, who has also received an invitation to represent Finland. Armia has been performing admirably this season, registering two goals and ten points in 25 games. Notably, last season saw him achieve his career-best with 17 goals in 66 appearances, including a stint in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Expressing his excitement, Armia stated, “It’s very special. It’s an honor to represent my country and a very special moment for me.” He anticipates playing a crucial two-way forward role during the tournament.
Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis praised Armia’s versatility, underscoring his importance to the team, saying, “The first thing is to accept your role. Armia can play anywhere in a lineup… he can do so many things. He is very valuable to a team.”
Star-Studded Finnish Roster
Finland’s roster is further bolstered by players from other NHL teams, including three representatives each from the Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars. The lineup features offensive powerhouses like Aleksander Barkov (Panthers), Mikko Rantanen (Colorado Avalanche), and Sebastian Aho (Carolina Hurricanes), along with Miro Heiskanen (Dallas Stars) anchoring the defensive unit.
In goal, Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators will lead the charge, backed by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen from the Buffalo Sabres and the emerging Kevin Lankinen of the Vancouver Canucks. Among the notable former Canadiens players, Artturi Lehkonen is set to make his mark, while Jesperi Kotkaniemi of the Hurricanes did not make the cut.
Fans can look forward to watching all tournament games broadcasted on TVA Sports.
Here’s a breakdown of the 23-player roster for Finland:
- Kevin Lankinen, G (Vancouver)
- Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, G (Buffalo)
- Juuse Saros, G (Nashville)
- Jani Hakanpää, D (Toronto)
- Miro Heiskanen, D (Dallas)
- Esa Lindell, D (Dallas)
- Niko Mikkola, D (Florida)
- Olli Määttä, D (Utah)
- Rasmus Ristolainen, D (Philadelphia)
- Juuso Välimäki, D (Utah)
- Sebastian Aho, C (Carolina)
- Joel Armia, RW (Montreal)
- Aleksander Barkov, C (Florida)
- Mikael Granlund, LW (San Jose)
- Erik Haula, C (New Jersey)
- Roope Hintz, C (Dallas)
- Kaapo Kakko, RW (NY Rangers)
- Patrik Laine, RW (Montreal)
- Artturi Lehkonen, LW (Colorado)
- Anton Lundell, C (Florida)
- Eetu Luostarinen, LW (Florida)
- Mikko Rantanen, RW (Colorado)
- Teuvo Teräväinen, LW (Chicago)
As the anticipation builds for the tournament, Sweden is also expected to make waves with a formidable roster, featuring standout players like Victor Hedman and Rasmus Dahlin, alongside a balanced attack.
Here’s a preview of Sweden’s 23-player lineup:
- Jacob Markström, G (New Jersey)
- Filip Gustavsson, G (Minnesota)
- Linus Ullmark, G (Ottawa)
- Rasmus Andersson, D (Calgary)
- Mattias Ekholm, D (Edmonton)
- Jonas Brodin, D (Minnesota)
- Rasmus Dahlin, D (Buffalo)
- Gustav Forsling, D (Florida)
- Erik Karlsson, D (Pittsburgh)
- Victor Hedman, D (Tampa Bay)
- Filip Forsberg, LW (Nashville)
- Adrian Kempe, RW (Los Angeles)
- Joel Eriksson Ek, C (Minnesota)
- Gustav Nyquist, LW (Nashville)
- Lucas Raymond, RW (Detroit)
- Elias Lindholm, C (Boston)
- Viktor Arvidsson, RW (Edmonton)
- Elias Pettersson, C/LW (Vancouver)
- Jesper Bratt, RW (New Jersey)
- William Karlsson, C (Vegas)
- William Nylander, RW (Toronto)
- Leo Carlsson, C (Anaheim)
- Mika Zibanejad, C (NY Rangers)