Top 10 Finnish Players || Finland's Best Hockey Players 2021

[@PuckRivals]

What do you think of these rankings? And let us know if you want us to do this for other countries!

[@lookforward2life]

Yes to other countries. Let’s ramp up for the Olympics. It’s a good list I think. Agree on Barkov. Dallas is rolling in excellent Finns eh? Edited for stupid autocorrect on names*

[@PuckRivals]

Perfect! Any countries you want to see first? Yeah it’s kind of crazy how Dallas manages to have 3 of the top 10 Finnish hockey players right now

[@kharmanen6350]

Pretty accurate I'd say. I'm a bit overwhelmed that it's actually easy to find ten great players for the list, the difficult thing is choosing who makes it :)

[@domezz9353]

Also Aho scored the winning goal on Liiga Finals. Great Video :)

[@RoyalMela]

Laine is overrated. He only has huge shot, but outside of that, he is very average. He can be dominant, but he needs playmakers to play in same line.

[@bigboots1177]

Finns naturally keep a close eye on Finnish players but coming from someone not a finn, this is a remarkably accurate ranking.

[@MultiCappie]

You're blind.

[@enskawho5023]

The year when Aho won the Liiga championship he also scored the Championship winning goal in game 7 at the age of 17

[@diw6859]

Cries in Tappara

[@velipulla3936]

@@diw6859 myötist

[@muromies112]

Torille

[@OwnedByGalatea]

True, that was epic :)

[@aardvark8127]

There is so much talent coming out of Finland they Finland should be winning more world Championships Juniors and seniors. Even though I'm not Finnish I have a huge soft spot for them and enjoy hearing the Finns kicking arse! Go Finland!

[@Mulukkis]

Just look at the 2010s. Finland was really, really successfull. 2 gold and 2 silver medals in seniors and 3 gold medals in juniors. And in 2021 silver in seniors and bronze in juniors.

[@aardvark8127]

@@Mulukkis They've had some success absolutely and something is better than nothing. I'm not Finnish but happy to wave the flag, we all know they are good enough to be dominant and not just for the occasional success.

[@romeopajula4194]

Yeah I'm finnish, but the success compared to our population is huge! Just to looking at our 2019 world championchip "The miracle"

[@romeopajula4194]

Only 2 Nhl players and 18 first-timers. I still have chillzzz just writing this Lmao🥺

[@0Quiwi0]

@@romeopajula4194 We tend to do better when the teams are tought out and don't have NHL stars in there

[@yorkaturr]

As a Finn I agree with this list despite Laine currently struggling. Seeing the Laine-Barkov-Rantanen line at any international competition is a dream for me, and would probably be among the top lines you can imagine even if you include all the players in the NHL.

[@yeet7929]

poverplay as Heiskanen-Barkov-Laine-Rantanen-Aho

[@anonyymikana206]

@@yeet7929 My god they would crush any team.

[@DiegoPujolT]

Hopefully two years from now, in the Olympics! Given the current team and their amazing golden run, I'd love to see that line, complemented by Aho, Teravainen, Granlund, Puljujärvi, Lundell... And with Jalonen and the also great defensemen and goalies they have, I bet they'd be the team to beat.

[@MWakefield82]

Here to show the Fins on the Preds some love. Granlund, Rinne, Saros, Kaskisuo and Tolvanen. These 4 get my votes. Great video. And yes, Josi is one of the top 2 defenders in the world. Spot on with that take.

[@kylebrown2149]

Hintz will be shooting up this list if he continues his play this year

[@user-bk4uy7gp9v]

Finally some love for Ristolainen. Its a shame he is wasting his prime years in buffalos dumpster fire

[@SalmonSnake80]

RR55 is so underrated, hopefully he hets away from sabres

[@holoholopainen1627]

Thank God - He IS a FLYER NOW !

[@sttokes]

This aged well

[@TeeDee87]

ranking players is so freaking hard that I think you did absolutely great.

[@PuckRivals]

Thanks you! It was really tough so it’s great to hear you liked the rankings

[@menomeisseli3292]

Finally I can approve on a list that someone has made outside of Finland. You really understand hockey!

[@PuckRivals]

Thank you!

[@mnmpoko]

I realized many of NHL players I know are from Finland. Thank you for having my hockey star #16 ranked number one!

[@diceymaan]

That was a good list!

[@PuckRivals]

Thanks! Glad you liked the list

[@mikkolappalainen_]

This guy knows hockey, 100% correct list and info, impressive for some one who is not finnish. Subbed

[@PuckRivals]

Wow thanks Mikko!

[@Jormamari]

Thank you for making this list! My personal favourite is Aho, but I totally agree with Barkov being number one. He is also so humble and never makes a big deal about himself. In a few years I guess we'll see Lankinen and Puljujärvi on the list!

[@olvioltsu5722]

Me too.

[@DogInPajamaPants]

Brilliant video! And fantastic analysis too!

[@Rikitikisiki]

Solid list. Well done.

[@PuckRivals]

Thank you!

[@xwillex]

Honorable mentions: Granlund, Tolvanen, K Kapanen, Puljujärvi, Donskoi, Hakanpää, Vatanen and all the goalies

[@LohiHarHar]

Only Granlund, you just keep on listing finnish nhl-players, not that how good they are.

[@averagestegosaurus2000]

This is a video ive been wanting for a while. Such exciting young players from 2016 wjc especially. Would have been amazing to be at a game that year. Hopefully the wjc or world championships will come back to finland soon.

[@c0zmo87]

One could argue the cases for Donskoi, Rinne, Saros and even Korpisalo but solid list nonetheless. Thanks for putting it up!

[@nikolas42]

Very well made video! As a Finn, I agree with the list. Keep up the good work homie!

[@hupiukkeli1234]

Couldn't be more accurate. Great list!

[@PuckRivals]

Thank you!

[@SalmonSnake80]

Perfect list and greetings from Finland 😬

[@Reladan187]

Well I think that’s pretty accurate! And yes we love hockey, I suggest you watch some videos of the celebrations in Helsinki after the 2011 and 2019 championships. It’s quite crazy :D

[@Larskamo]

Great listing, the top 5 is quite solid for now. If I had to throw one name in the top 10 conversation right now it’d probably be Joel Armia. Very good penalty kill player and has slowly started finding his peak. So many good players from Finland in the NHL these days it’s difficult to choose only ten!

[@frankhaula]

Porilasit

[@VarjoPira]

Can never go wrong with Barkov at #1. The competition below top 3 gets hella tough, though!

[@NelRogge]

should have added that Barkov is a shootout highlight reel machine

[@PuckRivals]

Haha true, the man has magic mitts

[@totoafrika5568]

I agreed. Really accurate list from Finns perspective. Barkov is top 5 player whole NHL.

[@PuckRivals]

Thanks Toni! Glad to hear you like the rankings. Barkov would definitely have a lot more hype if he was in a bigger market

[@RoisinT2]

@@PuckRivals For sure and he would really deserve it.

[@perttusaarela4893]

Thank you man! Keep it coming. The Finns love it even if they do not say it out loud.

[@PuckRivals]

Thank you for the kind words Perttu! It’s been great seeing the comments from all of you in Finland 🇫🇮

[@PuckRivals]

He’s really turned it up a notch lately so it’s a totally fair argument

[@acmemasteri]

XD

[@Kille80]

Good list and some what truthful. Only Aho ~ Rantanen is a debate, but in the end center is always a center. I see Aho is also a franchise player to Carolina. And Heiskanen's potential is unbelievable. Laine on the other hand could be hit or miss, but the truth be told, one of the best shots on sport once in the life time. And it's mind blowing that Stars 1st center at the moment should be 3rd on Finnish Olympic Hockey Team.. Let's hope everyone is safe and sound, and we can get the best hockey ever in the next Olympics!

[@davidkelly132]

great list, and gotta agree with your opinion.

[@u1hpme]

100% agree. Great list!

[@Kmasse8]

Excellent list and you clearly know extensively about ice hockey. Great video :) My top 4 would have been exactly the same as yours. My number 5 would be Lankinen, 6. Rask, 7. Laine, 8. Hintz, 9. Ristolainen, 10. Teravainen. In a few years Kakko and Lundell will be top 8 on the list.

[@PSJukkis]

Great list! I would add Joonas Korpisalo, Antti Raanta and Kasperi Kapanen as honorable mentions. Korpisalo and Raanta are fantastic and Kapanen is going to undress a lot of goalies now that he's playing with Malkin.

[@thebelizeaneh]

When I think of Finland the name that pops up first is Selanne. He passed Kurri for the greatest all time

[@acmemasteri]

76 goals in Winnipeg, 1st season -If I remember right. 1993.

[@crazze2]

I think Joonas Donskoi or Kasperi Kapanen should be at least mentioned as strong contenders for the top 10 list.

[@amerikanserkku]

Yeah i would swap one of them to Laine who isnt that hot now.

[@jukkao.parviainen8669]

Kapanen has bubbles in his head, his attitude will not bring him to the so called "the next level".

[@mikkhaili]

Right now 1. Barkov 2. Rantanen 3. Aho 4. Heiskanen 5. Rask 6. Hintz 7. Laine 8. Donskoi 9. Teräväinen 10. Lankinen

[@PuckRivals]

Nice list! Love your inclusion of Lankinen, guy has been a beast

[@dennislindqvist8443]

You're absolutely right Barkov is the best player Finland have produced in a very long time.

[@SuperHighwayGaming]

Great list and analysis, very entertaining video. Keep it up 🙏

[@PuckRivals]

Thank you!

[@SuperHighwayGaming]

@@PuckRivals You're welcome!

[@madsbuhris]

Kaapo Kakko, sensational player with 3 goldmedals in 18 months. U-18, U-20 and mens world champion. 2018-2019.

[@jessepylvalainen2288]

Good list, although it's tough, Lankinen and Saros definitely having really good performance this season. There are so many great talents Kakko, Tolvanen, M. Granlund, Jokiharju and Haanpää also play better than they get credit for.

[@apy1512]

Good video! You are pro.

[@PuckRivals]

Thank you!

[@henrieeli1524]

Also Aho scored the winner in that Liiga playoff final game 7 overtime

[@fenton5343]

Top 10 skaters: 1. Aleksander Barkov 2. Mikko Rantanen 3. Sebastian Aho 4. Miro Heiskanen 5. Teuvo Teräväinen 6. Roope Hintz 7. Esa Lindell 8. Kasperi Kapanen 9. Patrik Laine 10.Rasmus Ristolainen Top 10 goalies: 1. Tuukka Rask 2. Kaapo Kähkönen 3. Kevin Lankinen 4. Joonas Korpisalo 5. Juuse Saros 6. Antti Raanta 7. Pekka Rinne 8. Mikko Koskinen 9. Ville Husso 10. Veini Vehviläinen

[@henrilehtonen778]

Rinne higher

[@fenton5343]

@@henrilehtonen778 Rinne is far from his prime. When he was in his prime he was easily top 2 goalie but not anymore.

[@henrilehtonen778]

@@fenton5343 yea but still he's better than raanta

[@fenton5343]

@@henrilehtonen778 No he is not. Saros however could be.

[@henrilehtonen778]

@@fenton5343 yea but raanta is getting benched over and over because hill

[@harrikuusjarvi3795]

International games Granlund always shines. And we have so many goalies coming in NHL right now. Some really good ones are playing in KHL also. We always have to put great goalkeeper. Even in Liiga has great talent. Like Lankinen in 2019 came out of nowhere.

[@brianoidperson]

Hope to see them all in Olympic games playing for Finland and fighting to win the gold medal which we never has achieved

[@tonybleau6219]

I'm Canadian but two of my favourite players are Finnish : Barkov and Rantanen 👌 I actually like rooting for other countries because of how deep and overpowered we are in Canada so I expect Gold or bust from us. I'll never pick against Canada but I'll be rooting for you guys as my second team 👌

[@ValHA_84]

after torino 2006 our whole country cried. for days. we had THE best team in our history, and we lost only one period in that tournament, missing our goldmedal. i'm waiting for this new generation to get its change, led by barkov, aho, rantanen, laine and heiskanen

[@acmemasteri]

@@tonybleau6219 Wow, and you know what... just 22mins ago someone weeped that Canadians hate players who are Finnish :D

[@acmemasteri]

Now we have :)

[@levitodd183]

subscribed when I saw Barkov at #1.

[@PuckRivals]

Thanks for subscribing and glad you agree!

[@zheka1780]

And Barkov can play both for Finland and Russia

[@pale_saint]

@@zheka1780 he can’t, once the country is selected at adult level that’s it. The only exception is when a new country appears like Slovakia, Latvia etc

[@zheka1780]

@@pale_saint the dude has the dual citizenship why can't he ?

[@tonybleau6219]

Because hockey is a sport of class and loyalty unlike these other shitshows filled with divas and doped up cheaters. In all seriousness, it just wouldn't make much sense being able to play for whichever country as you usually identify as one nationality and "dream" of winning for the country you pick at a young age

[@n6itisixsixsix]

Great video!

[@ThePepperkingXY]

Pretty good rankings!

[@PuckRivals]

Thanks!

[@Lukelukeluk]

It would be interesting to see if the list has changed after Finlands recent international dominance

[@DiegoPujolT]

I was wondering the same, also because Granlund, Manninen & Lehtonen were pretty decisive in the IIHF WC. It would have been amazing to watch them with the top 3 on this list.

[@panthers9367]

Man great list and congrats on 1k!!💯💯🎈🎉 Barkov is so a fun guy to watch and especially in shootouts! Same with Laine he’s such fun to watch when he has the puck. The Dallas stars have amazing players too! Have a great rest of your day❤️

[@PuckRivals]

We’re glad you like the list Maria! Agreed Barkov is so fun to watch and has really become a dominant player in the NHL. Have a great rest of your day too!

[@miikapaananen1363]

Thank you very nice review

[@jaeger233]

good list man. thanks

[@PuckRivals]

Thank you! Glad you like it

[@lookforward2life]

Congrats on your milestone.

[@PuckRivals]

Thank you! We appreciate all the support we’ve been getting since becoming consistent on here!

[@jormakaisenmasi]

Well made video!!

[@PuckRivals]

Thank you!

[@juha-mattikarjalainen849]

Great list! I think Hintz should be higher maybe 5th /Laine 9th. Donskoi in and sadly RR55 out. By the way .... i cant wait what Anton Lundell can do whith Panters. I think he's gona be a very good playmaker someday😁

[@PuckRivals]

Lundell was a great pick at 12 for Florida, and what better guy to learn from than fellow Finn Barkov

[@heikkisanelma6625]

DO more stuff from finland, you seem to get nice views ;) bit flustered to see you have under 5k subbies..

[@PuckRivals]

Never thought this would get this many views! Finns truly love their hockey!

[@thelahna-8747]

There is also Kaapo Kakko, he has not been shining yet, but I think Mikko Rantanen got also a slow start, and look what numbers he is doing now. I believe Kaapo Kakko will become one of the biggest stars in Rangers one day, And he is still so young.

[@PuckRivals]

Yeah exactly, Kakko is still so young and there’s clearly a lot of talent there. He went 2nd overall for a reason!

[@Goldensheep12]

Well found information and overall listing of things.

[@tomahonen1290]

congratulations from finland! i think that list was ok and the rank,position fine!

[@PuckRivals]

Thanks Tom! Finland has really been producing some great players recently. Hopefully my pronunciation of the Finnish names was okay 😂 -Billy

[@tomahonen1290]

@@PuckRivals i't was fine 😄

[@Finnisher_DAD]

I love the Patrik Laine slapshot goal at 8:17 The goalie is like tf just happened! :D

[@mr_oissan7638]

As a finn, absolutely perfect list!

[@PuckRivals]

Thank you!

[@wathenit]

I was going to ask for a top 10 Finnish goalies, but it seems you already have the top 5. Maybe a top 10 of all-time Finn goalies at some point?

[@Indikaattori]

Congratulations on hitting the 1k milestone! Well done!

[@PuckRivals]

Thank you very much! We really appreciate all the support the channel has received!

[@Indikaattori]

@@PuckRivals I've been a subscriber now for about 11 months. Puck Rivals channel has grown a lot during those 11 months. It's really inspiring to see your success. Keep up the good work!

[@PuckRivals]

That’s awesome to hear you’ve been around for the journey and have watched us grow! Thanks! What type of videos would you like to see now going forward?

[@acmemasteri]

@@PuckRivals Sorry, I say (no one asked but...) that northlands goalies. Like top 5 or 10... I just found this channel. And ordered too because I'm impressed.

[@jukkao.parviainen8669]

I am only wondering how many Finnish goalies are vs. Canadian and American ones in NHL? As no.1 goalie of course.

[@krazyflipy5801]

Excellent list, with the right guy on the #1 spot.

[@A14-j7g]

In what universe is Aho better than Rantanen?

[@xwillex]

A good solid list

[@kissakissa4779]

This was excellent video man

[@PuckRivals]

Thanks very much!

[@Kimmoohh]

underrated channel, in my opinion Rantanen and Aho should be other way around!

[@PuckRivals]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@qwertyu600]

I don't know about that. Just think what Aho would be able to do in a team like The Avalanche.. And how Rantanen would do in a Hurricane context?

[@valitsemllaluokanavahyvaks3556]

Lankinen and Kähkönen have played very well if we based this on current form they definitely should be on the list over Laine, Ristolainen and Lindell in my opinion. But they also do need couple more good seasons to prove they are true starters in NHL.

[@PuckRivals]

Yeah we can agree with you in some cases here. We base a lot of our choices on current status but also factor in past production. Both goalies have been great this year but because it’s their rookie seasons in the NHL we felt it was too early to be in the top 10

[@88Nosman]

Quite a good of a list

[@PuckRivals]

Thank you! Happy to hear you think so

[@swampthing94]

Starting to get to that next level? Ever heard of Jari Kurri, Esa Tikkanen or Teemu Selänne?

[@kjehkjeh9277]

And now Miro got WC 🥇too!💪🏼

[@chs2811]

This is a very accurate list. Good job. If you want to see one clip of Sebastian Aho, this one is him at age of 17 Finnish Liiga finals (2015) Game 7, 2nd OT. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKuwp5Zufp6Kf7c&ab_channel=SkyxGaming Also a good clip about what the atmosphere in the finnish league playoffs can be.

[@PuckRivals]

Thank you! Nice pass, move and goal! Wow that arena was going crazy, looks awesome! Would love to experience European hockey in person

[@chs2811]

Yeah Kärpät from Oulu which is Aho's youth team is always a champion candidate and at least in playoffs it's a good atmosphere there. Just quite extraordinary to see that a 17-year old goes 5-hole in a breakaway and succeeds to decide the championship for the team. Aho is a very smart player and can hold his nerves well.

[@torheim75]

Laine is not Top 10 currently . Instead Donskoi or Kapanen.

[@mikkoviinikka1148]

Good ranking (could always quibble about the placings of course) and very nice short summaries of each player. Could've spent five minutes to learn how to pronounce the names though. But that goes for every NA announcer and commentator as well.

[@atemi3217]

the list is very accurate, but in my opinion Pekka Rinne should replace Roope Hintz

[@arttuke4757]

Peks has a 3.08 GAA and .899 save%. I love Rinne and I'm Nashville fan but that man just hasn't been the same after 2017-18 season after winning the Vezina trophy. Also he has been awful in the playoffs over the last few seasons, even in the season he won the Vezina trophy.

[@peanutbuttercstarz6431]

Where is kappo kakko

[@Xerdoz]

Too bad Turbo has had some major health issues this season. Hopefully he can get back into action before playoffs.

[@TranslationX]

Pretty solid list. I'd rank Heiskanen at #3.

[@PuckRivals]

That’s completely fair! he is already a top pairing defenseman who could STILL get better, pretty crazy

[@RoisinT2]

Very good list! Agreed! This coming from a FIN. Laine is kind of mix.. he is too much one dimension still.. but shines on one thing prolly more than anyone. That shot is in every way, just ridiculous.

[@PuckRivals]

You makes some good points on Laine. We felt he still deserved to that spot because of how good that shot is and his scoring ability when he is going. There’s arent a lot of players that can score 17 goals in the same month like he did before

[@leopartanen9431]

I think Kähkönen will rise on this list. Kapanen wouldn't be a bad choise either. Great list, too soon for Kähkönen though.

[@PuckRivals]

Thanks Leo! Those are good picks to rise on this list! Kähkönen has been a rock between the pipes for the Wild! Kotkaniemi and Kakko have the upside to be top 10 players from Finland too, although both are still very young.

[@tuukkapitkanen5863]

I think barkov should be a hart finalisti this year

[@mikaketola3084]

Almost every about them is world champion. Great video!

[@PuckRivals]

Thanks we’re glad to hear you like it!

[@benkku9077]

Where is Pekka rinne?

[@DocNintendo]

The best in order : Kakka, Laine, Rantnen, Hiskanen, Hitnz, Aho, Puljujarva, Teravainen, Barkov and Saros

[@Rockhill88]

kakkapeppu

[@shaner9687]

Joonas Korpisalo?

[@ninjakitty5884]

Here they are from 10-1 Roope Hintz (Dallas Stars #24) LW Rasmus Ristolainen (Philadelphia Flyers #55) RD Esa Lindell (Dallas Stars #23) LD Teuvo Teravainen (Carolina Hurricanes #86) LW Tuukka Rask (Boston Bruins #40) G Patrik Laine (Colombus Blue Jackets #29) RW Miro Heiskanen (Dallas Stars #4) LD Mikko Rantanen (Colorado Avalanche #96) RW Sebastian Aho (Carolina Hurricanes #20) C Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers #16) C

[@ThePelimiesh]

Totally agree

[@johnbjorkell2275]

At the moment i think the list is as follows 1.Barkov now has his first selke of many to come 2. Aho 3. Rantanen 4.Saros 5.Heiskanen 6.Hintz 7.Laine 8.Teräväinen 9.Lindell 10.Lundell

[@olinn8106]

Can you make list of finnish players of all times?

[@Temp-437]

Barkov is actually THE best center of the ligue atm

[@sakuwilkas]

Leo Komarov?

[@finzones]

legit list tbh, but IT IS AHO NOT AHOU :D

[@iLikeDMR]

Great list, I would have made 2 changes though. I would have placed Rantanen as #2 ahead of Aho at #3. I also would not have included Laine at all because he just is not very consistent at all. Probably would have replaced him with Kapanen or Donskoi

[@everettkulik73]

Barky is amazing agree with this list

[@PAARYNAKAKKU-ic3td]

I WOULD LOVE TO PICK BARKOV-RANTANEN-ARMIA IS MY LINE AND DEFENSEMENS RISTOLAINEN-MÄÄTTÄ

[@telepc8162]

actually hintz is stars first centerman

[@Jostra_FAME]

In my opinion, Rantanen is better than Aho. Agree with pretty much everyone else tho.

[@PuckRivals]

That a fair opinion. Both are elite players and would be a huge boost to any team they are on, might even be linemates at the Olympics

[@enheej7645]

Barkov is Finish?

[@PuckRivals]

He is! His father is Russian, but Barkov was born in Tampere while his dad played there for Tappara

[@madsbuhris]

No he is not finished. He is Finnish.

[@acmemasteri]

@@madsbuhris Hahaa...