Mikael Granlund named Finland's Olympic hockey captain after Barkov injury
Finland has named Mikael Granlund as captain for the upcoming Olympic men's ice hockey tournament. The decision follows an injury to regular captain Aleksander Barkov, who will miss the Games due to a knee problem. Granlund brings extensive experience, having led Finland in multiple international competitions before.
Granlund's leadership was backed by teammates Mikko Rantanen and Roope Hintz, who called him the natural choice. The 31-year-old has previously captained Finland at the IIHF World Junior Championship (2012) and twice at the World Championship (2018, 2024). His record includes 94 national team appearances, two World Championship golds, and an Olympic bronze from Sochi 2014.
Rantanen and Sebastian Aho will serve as alternate captains. Finland's campaign starts on Wednesday against Slovakia in Group B. The team faces a tight schedule, with the entire tournament compressed into just 12 days.
Finland enters the Olympics without top favourite status but maintains a reputation for cohesion and discipline. Their past successes include Olympic gold in Beijing 2022—won without NHL players—and a silver in Sochi 2014. Granlund's consistency is notable: in 10 of his 14 national team tournaments, he has averaged at least a point per game.
Granlund's appointment comes as Finland prepares to defend its 2022 Olympic title. The team will rely on his experience and composure in a fast-paced tournament. Their first test arrives against Slovakia, with Barkov's absence requiring others to step up.
