Undrafted Matinpalo eyes Olympic hockey gold with Finland's stacked defense
Nikolas Matinpalo will represent Finland in ice hockey at the Milano-Cortina Olympics. The 26-year-old defenceman, one of four undrafted players on the team, has balanced his NHL career with a passion for cross-country skiing for nearly a decade. This time, however, his focus remains solely on hockey and a shot at gold.
Matinpalo joined Team Finland's Olympic preparations just after Boxing Day. He will compete alongside a strong defensive group, including Miro Heiskanen, Henri Jokiharju, and Esa Lindell. This will be his first international tournament with Heiskanen, who missed the 4-Nations event due to a knee injury.
The Ottawa Senators defenceman has already played 81 NHL games and six playoff matches since signing after the 2022-23 Liiga season. Before the Olympics, he had twice represented Finland alongside Eeli Tolvanen—first at the 4-Nations tournament and later at the 2025 World Championship.
Though an avid cross-country skier, Matinpalo will not have time for the sport during the Games. Instead, he hopes to watch fellow Finn Iivo Niskanen, a three-time Olympic gold medallist, compete between hockey matches. His own priority, however, is clear: winning the tournament with his team.
Finland's roster includes seven experienced NHL defencemen, but Matinpalo's journey—from undrafted player to Olympic competitor—adds a unique story to the squad.
Matinpalo enters the Olympics with NHL experience and a clear objective. His team will rely on a deep defensive lineup as they aim for the top of the podium. For now, his skis will stay packed away—his focus is on bringing home hockey gold.
