With the 2025 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship (WJC) less than a week away from starting (Dec. 26), Finland has a roster of players who should be able to compete for at least a medal-round game come the tournament’s end. There are a handful of players who fans should keep an eye on as the tournament nears; some who fans have heard of and maybe a couple who they have not.
Jesse Kiiskinen
A player who has had a superb start to his 2024-25 season, Jesse Kiiskinen has been on a weak HPK team in Liiga but has stood out as one of the team’s biggest bright spots. After being drafted by the Nashville Predators in the 2023 NHL Draft, he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings this past offseason. Kiiskinen had a strong showing this summer at the World Junior Summer Showcase (WJSS) and will be a player who will help lead the way offensively for the Finns.
Related: Guide to the 2025 World Junior Championship
Kiiskinen’s offensive skills are not limited to what he can do for himself with the puck on his stick but for his teammates. He has eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points through 26 games this season. He is a player who makes a difference away from the puck as well. He uses his size to help create havoc on the forecheck and has become a more consistent player this season. His strong play and leadership skills have helped earn him an “A” on his jersey for the 2025 WJC, and he will undoubtedly be a player who will be one to watch throughout the tournament. He may not be the lead guy offensively, but he should be able to help feed off the bigger-named players like Konsta Helenius to give some added production.
Konsta Helenius
The highest 2024 draft pick from Finland, going 14th to the Buffalo Sabres, Konsta Helenius is returning to the U20 WJC scene after a less-than-stellar performance last year (two points in seven games). He will look to play better this year, and the start of his 2024-25 season could be a strong indication that it could happen. This season, he made his way to North American professional hockey and has been a driving force for the Sabres’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rochester Americans. As a rookie, he sits third on the Americans’ roster in points with 17. He has shown off his strong all-around offensive game and has been a player that has Sabres fans hoping the future could be bright. He will likely also be looked to as a player who will bring…
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