With the men’s ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics approaching, Finland has officially confirmed its leadership group . On Sunday, the Finnish Ice Hockey Association announced that Mikael Granlund will serve as team captain. Meanwhile, Sebastian Aho and Mikko Rantanen were named alternate captains. The decision formalizes a veteran leadership core as Finland prepares for its first Olympic tournament with NHL players since 2014.
Leijonien kapteenisto miesten jääkiekon olympiaturnauksessa:
C – Mikael Granlund
A – Sebastian Aho
A – Mikko Rantanenhttps://t.co/batZK5QvNL #Leijonat #OlympicTeamFinland #PohjoisenTähdet pic.twitter.com/CjLZ0Y5tv0— Leijonat.fi (@leijonat) February 8, 2026
Finland Has Named Mikael Granlund Its Captain
Granlund’s selection reflects both experience and continuity within the Finnish program . Notably, he is one of the few players on the roster who also represented Finland at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. That tournament marked the most recent Olympic appearance featuring NHL players.
Furthermore, Granlund has extensive best-on-best experience beyond the Olympics. He served as an alternate captain at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and represented Finland at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Additionally, he has appeared in seven IIHF World Championships, winning gold twice. At the NHL level, Granlund continues to provide reliable offence and composure for the Anaheim Ducks , traits that translate well to the compressed format of Olympic play.
Sebastian Aho and Mikko Rantanen Named Alternate Captains
The alternate captains give Finland two elite forwards with strong international resumes. Aho has been a regular for Finland in major tournaments, including the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and multiple World Championships. Moreover, he served as an alternate captain at the Four Nations Face-Off and brings a strong two-way profile to the leadership group.
Meanwhile, Rantanen adds size, scoring, and playoff-tested confidence. He also played for Finland at the Four Nations tournament and has represented the country at several World Championships and World Junior events. His offensive production at the NHL level gives Finland a proven threat in tight, low-scoring games.
Leadership Experience Runs Deep for Finland
Although Granlund, Aho, and Rantanen will wear the letters, leadership extends throughout Finland’s roster . Several players bring extensive international experience and familiarity with structured systems. Consequently, Finland enters Milano Cortina with a group well-equipped for short preparation windows and to challenge the top medal contenders.
Finland opens its Olympic tournament on February 11th against Slovakia , with its leadership group now officially in place as it looks to contend on the biggest international stage.
Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images