Three key players from the Dallas Stars have once again been selected to represent Team Finland at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. Defenders Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell, along with forward Mikko Rantanen, are notable inclusions on the preliminary roster announced by the Finnish Ice Hockey Association.

Miro Heiskanen's impressive international experience includes five games at the 2018 Winter Olympics and participation in the IIHF World Championships in both 2018 and 2022. Esa Lindell, recently honored as Finland's Male Player of the Year, has a solid background with three World Championship appearances, while Mikko Rantanen also boasts four World Championships under his belt.

In addition to these stars, there remains a possibility for more Dallas players, such as Roope Hintz and Mikael Granlund, to join the roster. Finland aims to defend the gold medal they secured in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, marking a significant moment as NHL players return to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014.

Esa Lindell has been recognized as the Male Player of the Year by the Finnish Ice Hockey Association, marking a significant achievement for the Dallas Stars defenseman. Lindell's performance last season was pivotal, contributing 26 points across 80 games and playing a crucial role in the Stars' deep playoff run.

Known for his strong defensive skills and contributions on special teams, Lindell was instrumental during the playoff series, even making a memorable game-saving play in overtime against the Avalanche. His commitment to the Stars and his roots in Finnish hockey culture underscores his importance both on and off the ice.

This year saw a historic first for the Stars, as Lindell was part of a lineup featuring five Finnish players—an achievement that highlights the growing influence of Finnish hockey in the NHL. His connection to Finnish hockey is further evidenced by his involvement with Jokerit, his hometown team, aiming to elevate its status in Finnish hockey.

The Dallas Stars made headlines as they took to the ice with an all-Finnish starting lineup in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Edmonton Oilers. This marked a historic moment in NHL history, as it was the first time a team fielded five Finnish-born players to start a game since records began. Mikko Rantanen and Roope Hintz have been standout performers, with Rantanen leading the playoffs in points and tied for the most goals. Mikael Granlund also contributed significantly with a hat trick against the Jets. Meanwhile, Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell provided critical defensive support, showcasing the depth of the Stars’ Finnish Mafia.

Mikko Rantanen may be going through a scoring drought, with no goals in his last four games, but the Dallas Stars are finding scoring from elsewhere. Currently, they sit in a favorable position after winning three consecutive games, including a standout playoff performance against the top-seeded Winnipeg Jets. Coach Peter DeBoer expressed confidence in the team's offensive depth despite facing a tough Winnipeg defense.

In their latest Game 1 against Edmonton, Dallas demonstrated resilience by overcoming a two-goal deficit, marking a historic comeback for the franchise. The Stars showcased their power play prowess with three goals in quick succession, a stark contrast to their struggles last postseason. Matt Duchene and Esa Lindell both found the back of the net in this match, while Rantanen remains a scoring leader despite his recent assist-only streak.

Tyler Seguin, the Dallas Stars center, shared insights on his recovery from hip surgery and his team's playoff progression against the Colorado Avalanche. He noted how his previous experience with a similar injury helped him return to the ice ahead of schedule, crediting a rigorous recovery regimen at home. Seguin also praised teammate Esa Lindell, emphasizing his critical role in the team's defensive strategies and penalty kill efforts, which often go unnoticed by fans.

Discussing the team's leadership, Seguin highlighted Jamie Benn's impact, acknowledging him as an inspirational captain who sets the tone both on and off the ice. His leadership qualities help galvanize the team during crucial playoff moments, especially evident in their recent performances.