NHL EDGE Stats: Underdog Nations to Watch for Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach, fans and analysts alike are evaluating underdog nations that may surprise in the tournament. One nation that has garnered attention is Finland, boasting impressive NHL EDGE stats among its elite players.

Finland’s Hockey Talent

Despite the absence of their star center, Aleksander Barkov, who is recovering from knee surgery, Finland’s roster remains formidable. The country features a strong lineup of forwards and defensemen with significant contributions in various statistical categories.

Key Players and Stats

• Mikko Rantanen – Tied for sixth in the NHL with 17 high-danger goals.
• Sebastian Aho – Ranked eighth in the NHL for midrange goals with 12, and in the 97th percentile for shots on goal in his category (62).
• Artturi Lehkonen – Notable for high-danger shots on goal (70, 98th percentile) and high-danger goals (13, 94th percentile).
• Roope Hintz – Excels in multiple categories, including:
• 33 speed bursts over 22-plus mph (99th percentile; third in the NHL)
• 258 speed bursts over 20-plus mph (99th percentile; fifth in the NHL)
• Max skating speed of 23.61 mph (98th percentile)
• High-danger shots on goal (70; 98th percentile)
• Hardest shot registered at 92.04 mph (91st percentile)
• Power-play skating distance – 23.87 miles (91st percentile)

Strong Roster Chemistry

Finland also showcases a well-rounded roster with players from the Dallas Stars, including Rantanen, Hintz, and defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell. Former Dallas forward Mikael Granlund, now with the Anaheim Ducks, rounds out their core contributions.

The first power play during practice features a compelling combination: Rantanen, Aho, Hintz, Granlund, and Heiskanen. This blend of talent provides a strong foundation as they aim for success in the upcoming Olympics.

As Finland prepares for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, their advanced statistics indicate that they could be one of the underdog nations to watch closely. Their dynamic players and impressive NHL performance suggest that they could make a significant impact on the Olympic stage.