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Every NHL Player Born in Finland (Updated List)

Finland has produced 274 all-time NHL players who have combined for 61,261 games, 9,572 goals, 17,145 assists, and 26,717 points. Finland is the sixth-most represented nationality behind Canada, USA, Sweden, Russia, and Czechia. The active Finnish contingent in 2024-25 includes around 50 players, with a reputation for elite goaltending, two-way forwards, and mobile defensemen. The list is headlined by two of the greatest European scorers ever and a goaltending tradition that has redefined the position.

January 25, 2026

Finnish All-Time Leaders

The Elite Tier

These Finnish legends define excellence:

1. Teemu Selanne

1,451 games, 1,457 points (684 goals, 773 assists). 76-goal rookie season (1992-93), Rocket Richard Trophy, 2007 Stanley Cup, Hall of Fame 2017.

2. Jari Kurri

1,251 games, 1,398 points (601 goals, 797 assists). Five Stanley Cups with Edmonton, Lady Byng, Selke Trophy, Hall of Fame 2001.

3. Saku Koivu

1,124 games, 832 points (255 goals, 577 assists). Montreal's first European captain, Bill Masterton Trophy, cancer survivor.

4. Mikko Koivu

1,028 games, 711 points (206 goals, 505 assists). Minnesota's first European captain, Selke runner-up, franchise leader.

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5. Tuukka Rask

564 games, 308 wins, .921 save percentage. 2014 Vezina Trophy, Boston all-time wins leader, Stanley Cup champion (2011).

6. Miikka Kiprusoff

623 games, 319 wins, 2.49 GAA. 2006 Vezina Trophy, 2004 Stanley Cup Finals MVP.

7. Pekka Rinne

683 games, 369 wins. 2018 Vezina Trophy, Nashville franchise goalie, Hall of Fame candidate.

8. Aleksander Barkov

750+ games, 700+ points. Two Selke Trophies, Stanley Cup champion (2024), Florida Panthers franchise center.

9. Mikko Rantanen

650+ games, 650+ points. Elite power winger, multiple 100-point seasons, Colorado Avalanche star.

10. Olli Jokinen

1,231 games, 750 points. Consistent center across 17 seasons, multiple 30-goal campaigns.

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Active Finnish Stars (2024-25)

Current Elite

Top Finnish players dominating NHL today:

Aleksander Barkov:

750+ games, 700+ points
Two Selke Trophies
Stanley Cup champion (2024)
Florida Panthers captain

Mikko Rantanen:

650+ games, 650+ points
Multiple 100-point seasons
Elite power winger
Colorado Avalanche star

Sebastian Aho:

600+ games, 550+ points
Two-way center
Selke runner-up
Carolina Hurricanes anchor

Miro Heiskanen:

450+ games, 250+ points
Mobile defenseman
Norris finalist
Dallas Stars power-play QB

Juuse Saros:

300+ games, 150+ wins
Elite goaltender
Nashville Predators starter
Vezina finalist

Patrik Laine:

450+ games, 200+ goals
Elite goal-scorer
Two consecutive 44-goal seasons
Columbus Blue Jackets

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Finnish Goaltending Factory

"Goalie Island" Tradition

Finland's goaltending development is unmatched per capita:

Elite Finnish Goalies:

Miikka Kiprusoff: 319 wins, Vezina Trophy
Tuukka Rask: 308 wins, Vezina Trophy
Pekka Rinne: 369 wins, Vezina Trophy
Juuse Saros: Elite current starter
Linus Ullmark: Vezina Trophy (2023)

Why Finland Produces Goalies:

Focus on technique and fundamentals
Puck-handling emphasis
Mental coaching
SM-liiga development league

Finnish goalies are known for high save percentages, consistency, and mental toughness.

Finnish Development Model

Two-Way Excellence

Finland's development emphasizes complete games:

Philosophy:

200-foot play prioritized
Defensive responsibility
Faceoff excellence
Smart positioning

Positional Strengths:

Goaltending (elite tradition)
Two-way centers (Koivu, Barkov, Aho)
Mobile defensemen (Heiskanen)

The Koivu brothers, Barkov, Rantanen, and Aho exemplify Finland's emphasis on complete play rather than pure offense.

Finnish NHL Statistics

By the Numbers

Finland's NHL impact quantified:

All-Time Totals:

Players: 274
Games: 61,261
Goals: 9,572
Assists: 17,145
Points: 26,717

Active Roster (2024-25):

~50 Finnish players
Steady presence
Down slightly from peak of 60+ in early 2010s

Position Breakdown:

Forwards: 55%
Defensemen: 25%
Goalies: 20% (highest percentage among major nations)

Notable Finnish Pioneers

Early Trailblazers

Jari Kurri broke ground as first Finnish NHL superstar in 1980s, winning five Cups with Edmonton alongside Gretzky. His success proved Finnish players could compete at highest level.

The Koivu brothers (Saku and Mikko) became first European captains for Montreal and Minnesota respectively, showing Finnish leadership qualities.

The Complete Picture

274 Players and Growing

Every Finnish NHL player contributes to hockey's sixth-largest international presence. From Selanne's scoring records to Kurri's dynasty success to modern goaltending excellence, Finland maintains elite NHL representation despite smaller population.

The Finnish development model continues producing NHL-ready talent annually, with particular strength in goaltending ensuring Finland remains among hockey's elite nations.

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