Following Finland’s substantial 4-1 victory against Sweden, concerns surfaced regarding head coach Antti Pennanen’s position. A report by Sami Hoffren from Ilta-Sanomat highlighted a growing lack of confidence among players in Pennanen, who has been coaching the national team since September 2023. This shift in player sentiment stems from Finland’s disappointing last-place finish at the previous 4 Nations Face-Off.
Players Discuss Coaching Changes
This summer, some of Finland’s top NHL players began exploring alternatives for the coaching staff for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. They considered Stanley Cup-winning coach Paul Maurice as a potential replacement for Pennanen. Maurice, 59, had recently achieved back-to-back NHL championships with the Florida Panthers but is not a part of Canada’s coaching team in Milan.
General Manager’s Insight
General manager Jere Lehtinen acknowledged that the players expressed interest in bringing in Maurice. However, he clarified that no official offer was extended to the Canadian coach. “I don’t really have anything to say about it,” Lehtinen stated. “We have our own team here, and it would be a different matter if there was something concrete.”
Key Player Status
Among the Finnish players, Eetu Luostarinen, Anton Lundell, and Niko Mikkola are currently under Maurice’s guidance in Florida. Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, who would typically represent Team Finland, has been sidelined this season due to a knee injury.
Recent Performance and Upcoming Games
Finland faced elimination in the quarter-final round during the 2025 World Men’s Hockey Championship. As they compete at Milano Cortina 2026, Finland has experienced a mixed start, splitting their initial two games. Their Group B schedule will conclude on Saturday when they face the host nation, Italy.
- Coach: Antti Pennanen
- Potential Replacement: Paul Maurice
- Key Players: Eetu Luostarinen, Anton Lundell, Niko Mikkola
- Captain: Aleksander Barkov (injured)
- Next Game: Finland vs Italy, Saturday
