Coach:Raimo Helminen
2020 NHL Draft watch:Anton Lundell, F, HIFK (FIN); Topi Niemela, D, Karpat (FIN); Roni Hirvonen, F, Assat (FIN)
Schedule:Dec. 26, Sweden (1 p.m. ET); Dec. 28, Slovakia (9 a.m. ET; NHLN); Dec. 29, Kazakhstan (9 a.m. ET; NHLN); Dec. 31, Switzerland (1 p.m. ET)
Outlook: Defense should be the strength of the defending champions, led by two players chosen in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft, Lassi Thomson (No. 19, Ottawa Senators) and Ville Heinola (No. 20, Winnipeg). Heinola is one of five returning players from the 2019 WJC and should have some extra motivation after missing the final two games of the tournament because of a lower-body injury. He also has NHL experience with five points (one goal, four assists) in eight games with the Jets this season. Toni Utunen (Canucks) and Anttoni Honka (Carolina Hurricanes), also part of the 2019 team, also will return. The biggest question for Finland up front will be the health of forward Anton Lundell, a top prospect for the 2020 NHL Draft who has been out since Nov. 23 because of an upper-body injury. With Finland missing five of its top six scorers from last year's tournament, Lundell would have been a top-six presence as an 18-year-old. Other forwards expected to step up include Rasmus Kupari (Kings), who had five points (one goal, four assists) at the 2019 WJC and has gained pro experience this season with Ontario of the American Hockey League. Other forwards who should play significant roles are Sampo Ranta (Colorado Avalanche), Patrik Puistola (Hurricanes), Aku Raty (Coyotes), and his brother, Aatu Raty, a top prospect for the 2021 NHL Draft.