<p>There used to be a time when the only consistent thing about Finland was their inconsistency.</p>



<p>One year, they’d win gold. The next, they were fighting to avoid relegation. It’s a weird cycle for one of the top hockey countries in the world – one that continues to hit above their weight class.</p>



<p>But if we’re taking a wild guess now, this feels like a team on the backburner.</p>



<p>One of the biggest stories for this group, unfortunately, is who isn’t going to be there. Joakim Kemell, a Nashville Predators prospect, would have been one of the best players in the tournament, but he’s ripping up the AHL and it made sense to keep him home. And then there’s Calgary’s Topi Ronni, who is currently <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/calgary-flames-prospect-topi-ronni-facing-rape-charges-in-finland">under investigation for rape.</a></p>



<p>On the back end, Aron Kiviharju – one of the top prospects for 2024 – won’t participate due to an injury. The same goes for New York Islanders product Jesse Nurmi, who was set to play a big role after a great U-18 World Championship showing.</p><div class="injected-ad injected-video" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="0" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="175"></div>



<p>Still, you can’t ever count this group out. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-goaltenders">Goaltenders</h2>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity">



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1073-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="684" src="https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1073-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-120600" srcset="https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1073-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1073-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1073-768x513.jpg 768w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1073-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1073-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1073-150x100.jpg 150w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1073-600x401.jpg 600w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1073-696x465.jpg 696w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1073-1392x929.jpg 1392w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1073-1068x713.jpg 1068w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1073-1920x1282.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Niklas Kokko (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)</em></figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>Niklas Kokko (Seattle Kraken)</strong> hasn’t had an easy season with just 10 starts with Karpat, and he only boats a 2-5-1 record. But he has a solid resume with Finland’s national team, having represented them in various tournaments over the years. He had a solid showing at the World Junior Summer Showcase but he didn’t always get good support in front of him. He’ll need to be a difference-maker if the Finns are going to go far in this tournament, but we’ve seen that a few times from various Finnish goaltenders in recent years.</p>



<p>Beyond that, <strong>Eemil Vinni </strong>and <strong>Noa Vali</strong> are both decent backup goalies who can perform in a pinch. Vinni is eligible to go in the 2024 NHL Draft, and he’s no stranger to playing against older competition the past few years. Vali, meanwhile, was passed over last year, but has put up some solid numbers in the TPS system this year between Liiga and U-20 action. </p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="1" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="170"></div>



<p>This is Kokko’s net to lose, but the Finns know what they have in net here with three players with significant experience donning the lion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensemen</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1018-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1018-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-120586" width="734" height="490" srcset="https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1018-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1018-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1018-768x513.jpg 768w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1018-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1018-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1018-150x100.jpg 150w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1018-600x401.jpg 600w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1018-696x465.jpg 696w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1018-1392x929.jpg 1392w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1018-1068x713.jpg 1068w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_1018-1920x1282.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 734px) 100vw, 734px"></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Otto Salin (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)</em></figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity">



<p>This would have been the perfect opportunity for Kiviharju to show the masses what he’s capable of. But an early season injury knocked out the projected 2024 first-round pick, leaving a huge hole on the back end.</p>



<p>But the Finns have some decent depth and speed to work with, at least.<strong> Arttu Kärki (Vegas Golden Knights)</strong> and <strong>Otto Salin</strong> <strong>(Los Angeles Kings) </strong>will likely make up the top pairing, with Kärki riding the high of a great start to the season with the red-hot Soo Greyhounds. Many scouts are really high on the 6-foot-2 defender, who is currently producing at a point-per-game pace in his first OHL season.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="2" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="133"></div>



<p>Salin, meanwhile, is a full-timer with HIFK’s men’s squad, with his ice time fluctuating anywhere from seven minutes to just under 19 a night. He’s very active in the offensive zone and likes to play a physical game, and he has looked excellent with the Finns every time he’s represented them in U-20 competition. This year should be no exception.</p>



<p><strong>Emil Pieniniemi (Pittsburgh Penguins) </strong>is someone I’ve grown to really like watching. He had a quiet, but solid U-18s last year but I felt like he was playing with a lot of confidence at the World Junior Summer Showcase. You’re not looking for flash when watching Pieniniemi – you’re keeping a close eye on his decision-making and ability to bring some energy and size to a shift.</p>



<p>Sticking with Pittsburgh, <strong>Kalle Kangas (PIT) </strong>will bring the size at 6-foot-4. He made his frame noticeable at the U-18s in April, but it wasn’t overbearing by any means. He’s not afraid to play with an edge, but he also is quite mobile for his size, too. I could see him playing a shutdown role with<strong> Kasper Kulonummi (Nashville Predators)</strong>, who is known more for his offensive production on the international stage.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="3" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="199"></div>



<p>In all, it’s a solid group. They’re not the best defensive core by any means, but they’ll be difficult to play against. And with many players going up against pros on a nightly basis but not playing a whole lot, this will be their time to shine.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Forwards</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_0753-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_0753-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-120513" srcset="https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_0753-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_0753-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_0753-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_0753-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_0753-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_0753-150x100.jpg 150w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_0753-600x400.jpg 600w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_0753-696x464.jpg 696w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_0753-1392x929.jpg 1392w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_0753-1068x713.jpg 1068w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SE5_0753-1920x1281.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Jani Nyman (Steven Ellis/Daily Faceoff)</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>This is where things get exciting. Obviously, not having Kemell for a third year hurts, but they’ve got some others with the chance to play a big role. There’s a good chance top 2024 NHL Draft prospect <strong>Konsta Helenius</strong> centers the team’s top line, for example, but more on him later.</p>



<p>I’ve been clear in my love for&nbsp;<strong>Lenni Hämeenaho’s (New Jersey Devils)</strong> game this year, and I really think he’ll be a leader on Finland’s world junior team. He was Finland’s best player at the World Junior Summer Showcase, and now he’s on pace for a 40-point sophomore campaign with Assat in the top Finnish league. He’s a goal-scorer, on pace for 25 this year, but it was his heads-up passing and quick decision-making that stood out over the summer. He’s my dark horse pick to win the WJC scoring race.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="4" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="188"></div>



<p>At 6-foot-4 and over 200 pounds, it’s hard to miss <strong>Jani Nyman (SEA)</strong>. He’s on pace for just under 50 points with Ilves in the top Finnish league and had some shining moments at this event last year. He has a long history with Finland’s junior program, making his debut with a wild 2019-20 season, so the coaching staff knows what they’re getting from him. I’d expect him to chase double digits at this tournament.</p>



<p>Few players can shoot and hit with the pure violence that <strong>Kasper Haltunen (SJS)</strong> can. The London Knights standout plays a heavy, throwback-style game, and the results are looking good with London. He’s not afraid to rough up your team’s favorite stars, and he’s bound to be a fan-favorite in the NHL one day. </p>



<p>A rising prospect right now is <strong>Aleksanteri Kaskimäki (St. Louis Blues)</strong>. There’s a good chance the returning forward dons the captain’s C like he has at other levels. He’s not a big point-producer, but he’s playing some of his most well-rounded hockey with the HIFK this year. </p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="5" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="178"></div>



<p>For Preds fans missing out on Kemell, they’ll at least get to watch <strong>Jesse Kiiskinen (Nashville Predators)</strong>. He’s having a quiet season with the Pelicans, but I liked what I saw in a few games at the U-20 Five Nations last month. He’s defensively reliable, but he showed last year with Finland’s U-18 team that he can drive play, too.</p>



<p>Beyond that, <strong>Rasmus Kumpulainen (Minnesota Wild) </strong>is a forward I really like. The two-way forward is physical, smart, loves getting engaged in the offensive zone and makes it his mission to get in the way of every opponent in the defensive zone. Kumpulainen was one of Finland’s best players at the U-18 World Championship this year, and I’d expect a similar result in Sweden.</p>



<p>One last name to mention: <strong>Oiva Keskinen&nbsp;(Columbus Blue Jackets)</strong>. The 2023 seventh-rounder showed promise as an overage prospect and he has adjusted well to the pro game with Tappara. So much so that I think he’s one of the highest risers out of the bottom three rounds from last year. He’s a dual-threat forward who can play the power play, launch a cannon of a one-timer and outwork opponents, too. This might be his coming out party.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="6" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="201"></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 NHL Draft</h2>



<p>It’s rare to see a draft-eligible prospect take the reigns as a No. 1 center, but Helenius deserves it. He has stood out with the U-20 national ‘s the highest-scoring U-20 national team player in 2023 while also producing one of the best U-18 seasons in recent Liiga history. This tournament could be Helenius’ opportunity to establish himself as a top-five pick next June.</p>



<p>Further down the lineup, <strong>Emil Hemming </strong>has looked great against men in Liiga play. The 6-foot-2 winger is projected to go in the first round after showing a high level of competency with TPS. He was great against U-18 competition, but he was the best player behind Helenius at last month’s Five Nations tournament. That’s saying something given his age.</p>



<p>On the back end, watch for<strong> Veeti Väisänen</strong>, another potential first-round pick. He hasn’t gotten a lot of playing time in Liiga this year, but he has dominated some of the U-20 league games he has played. I also think he looked comfortable in U-20 national team games, too. I didn’t love his U-18 World Championship work, but against his own age group, I’ve liked what I’ve seen.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="7" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="192"></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Projection</h2>



<p>Undoubtedly, this is a Finnish team that isn’t at full strength. Not having Kemell is going to hurt offensively. Kiviharju would have been a huge boost for the team’s blueline. It’s a generally weaker year for the Finns, who saw their 2005-born team fall in the quarterfinals to Slovakia at the U-18s back in the spring. But if there’s anything we’ve learned about the Finns, it’s that they’re pesky and never give up, and that their robust defensive systems often come up key. They’ll need to in a different group against Canada and Sweden, but they’re definitely capable of it. A good on-paper projection will see them coming third in Group A, which might play into their favor if they’re matched up against Czechia or Slovakia. From there, anything can happen.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="8" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="131"></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Round-Robin Schedule</strong></h2>



<p><em>Local/ET Time</em></p>



<p>Dec. 26 vs. Canada – 14:30/8:30 AM ET<br>Dec. 27 vs. Germany – 14:30/8:30 AM ET<br>Dec. 29 vs. Finland – 14:30/8:30 AM ET<br>Dec. 31 vs. Sweden – 14:30/8:30 AM ET</p>



<p></p>
