WC 2016: Team Finland

[NaPa]

Our first 16 selections were just announced for the World Cup and here it is:

Goalies:

Pekka Rinne NAS
Tuukka Rask BOS

Defence:

Olli Maatta PIT
Sami Vatanen ANA
Rasmus Ristolainen BUF
Esa Lindell DAL

Forwards:

Aleksander Barkov FLA
Mikko Koivu MIN
Valtteri Filppula TB
Jussi Jokinen FLA
Mikael Granlund MIN
Jori Lehtera STL
Leo Komarov TOR
Lauri Korpikoski EDM
Teuvo Teravainen CHI
Joonas Donskoi SJ

No surprises there and very satisfied with the first picks. Also excited to see our next generation taking a space from old/retired veterans in the d-zone. I see there's still room for players like Haula (MIN), Pulkkinen (DET) and a couple D-men from KHL such Jaakola, Lepisto and Hietanen. Third goalie could be anyone - would like to add some young prospect there like Korpisalo (CBJ) or Saros.

Well, here it begins. How does your team look like ?

Jarkko

 

[TanguayFan]

I would have expected to see Rantaanen in the top 16 picks.

 

[TheGriceBoys]

Wait, Teemu quit? :laugh:

Odd seeing a Team Finland international roster without the "Finnish Flash" on it!

 

[NaPa]

I would have expected to see Rantaanen in the top 16 picks.

As gifted and talented this guy is, I can't see which one of those forwards in the list could be replaced by him (yet). Yes, he played very well as a team captain in WJC tournament and there's a bright future for him in a national team within the next 2-4 yrs. Before that he also needs to take his place in the Avs roster and have a lot more experience in mens league.

Wait, Teemu quit? :laugh:

Odd seeing a Team Finland international roster without the "Finnish Flash" on it!

Yes, likewise. We certainly have a big changes going on in our national team as such many longtime veterans have retired in the past couple of years.

Jarkko

 

[creasecollector]

Rinne !