Top 10 Best Finnish Players In The NHL Right Now

Finland and hockey-a match made in sporting heaven. This Nordic nation has consistently produced some of the NHL’s finest talent, and today we’re taking a closer look at the elite Finnish players who dominate the ice. Starting with Rasmus Ristolainen, the formidable defenseman drafted eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2013. With 285 career points, including 52 goals and 233 assists, Ristolainen isn’t just about offense; his physical style of play, marked by over 100 hits per season, sets him apart. Not to forget, his overtime goal against Sweden in the 2014 World Junior Championship secured Finland the gold, showcasing his flair for clutch performances.
Next up is Roope Hintz, the Dallas Stars' standout, drafted 49th overall in 2015. Hintz has amassed 307 career points, with 145 goals and 162 assists. Despite a delayed NHL debut, he quickly made his mark, nearly leading the Stars to a Stanley Cup victory in 2020 with his 13 playoff points. Known for his versatility and two-way play, Hintz excels under pressure, making crucial contributions on both ends of the ice. His ability to perform in critical moments and his knack for scoring game-winning goals make him an invaluable asset to his team.
Esa Lindell, another key player for the Dallas Stars, was drafted 74th overall in 2012. With 189 points, including 49 goals and 140 assists, Lindell’s reputation is built on his defensive skills. He’s a penalty-killing expert and a shot-blocking virtuoso, consistently ranking among the league leaders in this challenging stat. Off the ice, Lindell is known for his leadership and mentorship, often guiding younger players with a calm and composed demeanor. His contributions were pivotal in the Stars' journey to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2020, underscoring his importance both on and off the ice.

[@valitsemllaluokanavahyvaks3556]

1. Barkov
2. Rantanen
3. Heiskanen
4. Saros
5. Aho
6. Hintz
7. Lehkonen
8. Lundell
9. Lindell
10. Maccelli
11. Luostarinen/Granlund/Teräväinen/Välimäki
Konsta Helenius > Laine/Ristolainen

[@FumbleFusion]

Kaikki meni nii hyvi ennen tota viimestä :D

[@naaliz5612]

Yeah Konu over Pate

[@aatuhonkimaa]

Ristolainen and laine over lehkonen is insane🥶

[@Koutsi]

Ristolainen is not even top 10 NHL defender for Finland. 😀

[@wabbitrom5741]

good list, but i would make couple changes. Ristolainen / Laine isn't top 10 players right now. Lundell / Lehkonen / Luostarinen had very good seasons, and their 2 way game is very good. In my option Välimäki (arizona/utah) is now better defenseman than Ristolainen. But these are only my options :)

[@leopartanen8752]

Matias Maccelli, he's a very humble, mature and will be a future star. Not many merits, but one of the best Finnish players right now.

[@wabbitrom5741]

@@leopartanen8752 yes, absolutely, Matias played good season also.

[@meke7777]

Laine is still a top 10 player. Risto most definititely not, swap him for Lundell / Lehkonen or Maccelli.

[@wabbitrom5741]

@@meke7777 Yes, Laine has potential to be one of best Finnish players, but right now in my opinion he isn't top-10 player. But this is only my opinion. I really hope on next season Laine returns same level what he was couple years back.

[@aapoheikkila5542]

Barkov, Rantanen, Aho, Heiskanen, Saros, Hintz, Lehkonen, Macelli, Teräväinen, Lundell, Lindell, Luostarinen, Granlund.

[@MLMotorsportFinland]

Lundell ja lindell marcellin ja teräväisen edelle muuten 👍

[@MatthewDicksonOfficial]

Pennanen select Kukkonen - Hietanen

[@MLMotorsportFinland]

@@MatthewDicksonOfficial iso W

[@topiasalakarppa]

Well done! Keep it up!

[@aapo616]

You missed Lehkonen

[@YejejEjejejej]

this was top 10, not top 50

[@aapo616]

@@YejejEjejejej Lehkonen is one of the greatest finnish hockey player. Brother carried his team to the finals 2 years in a row and won in the second time

[@YejejEjejejej]

@@aapo616 Nice fantasy

[@mmdoof]

He may not be the absolute best Finnish player, but he's one of the clutchest players in the league. His game IQ is through the roof and he makes game-turning plays when he's under pressure.

[@aapo616]

@@mmdoof True. He's such a clutch.

[@Eskolol]

Only reason why Risto is top 10 is because he shoots right handed. :D

[@naaliz5612]

Barkov, Rantanen, Aho, Heiskanen, Hintz, Saros, Lehkonen, Lundell, Teräväinen, Luukkonen

[@nablaphysics]

‘A’ is for alternate captain not assistant

[@VarjoPira]

Conn Smythe could've very well gone to him this year. I understand why they picked McDavid, but Barkov was the best center in every series Florida played.

[@heh9392]

Laine literally hasn't played for a year almost

[@SamiJuntunen1]

He played 8-9months ago and has over 200 games. Point per game player in right team.

[@OlafGodredsson]

Jarko ruutu

[@LucaBrasi0]

Amen! His brother is coaching Panthers now.

[@madsbuhris]

Wheres Granny?

[@MatthewDicksonOfficial]

00:37 Very poor mans Brent Burns

[@madsbuhris]

Same size and weight

[@veetee355]

Lundelli ja Lindelli

[@MatthewDicksonOfficial]

Rami Määttä

[@NikiFlowerOfficial]

Granlund?

[@FumbleFusion]

He is not top 10 these days anymore

[@NikiFlowerOfficial]

@@FumbleFusion but Ristolainen is? Cmoooon 😄

[@planetcaravan2925]

​@@FumbleFusion he was almost ppg in a shitty sharks team..

[@penamuuri6767]

he was pretty much useless in the last skoda cup

[@planetcaravan2925]

@@penamuuri6767 so was finland as a whole

[@Finngas]

Ruupei hints

[@SamiJuntunen1]

Close enough.

[@mikaellaamanen8428]

I would say Rantanen 1. Barkov 2. Both are very good, but not many who can score +100 point every season so that way i say Rantanen 1st.

[@VarjoPira]

Nope. Barkov is the more complete player. Under a different system he could break 100, too, but that's not his role.

[@SamiJuntunen1]

Barkov has been constant even with not so good wingmans. Also he is the best at defence.

[@user-jw1yl3wo3v]

The best finnish is russian! Welldone mr.Putin!

[@jerkkuifk4942]

4:16 i live like 500 meters from that house

[@raa5128]

Eikä? Vähä jännä. Kerrotko lisää

[@FumbleFusion]

@@raa5128 🤣