The Finnish national ice hockey team, known as Leijonat, has made a significant addition to its roster ahead of the World Championship. NHL player Konsta Helenius from the Buffalo Sabres will join the team for the tournament in the Czech Republic.
Konsta Helenius Joins Leijonat
At just 20 years old, Helenius has already made his mark in the NHL, having recently played his first games with the Sabres. His participation marks a boost for the Finnish squad as they prepare for the championship.
Helenius’ Skills Recognized
General Manager Jere Lehtinen praised Helenius, highlighting his versatility and intelligence on the ice. “He has shown his potential under pressure in Buffalo, and I know he is eager to contribute,” Lehtinen stated.
Roster Changes
With Helenius’ addition, the Leijonat roster is now complete. Unfortunately, this also means that Sami Päivärinna will not be joining the tournament, returning instead to Finland. Lehtinen acknowledged Päivärinna’s patience in a challenging role.
Team Composition
As they head into the tournament, the Finnish team boasts a total of 13 players with NHL experience. Alongside Helenius, Anaheim Ducks forward Mikael Granlund also joined the squad during the tournament.
Current Roster Highlights
- Konsta Helenius (Buffalo Sabres)
- Mikael Granlund (Anaheim Ducks)
- 13 total NHL players in the team
As the Leijonat finalize their preparations, they are poised for a competitive run in the World Championship.
