Finland's Lundell, Granlund Expected to Return Before Olympic Quarterfinals

Both forwards missed practice Monday ahead of knockout stage

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Anton Lundell and Mikael Granlund, key forwards for the Finnish men's ice hockey team, did not practice with the team on Monday but are expected to rejoin them on Tuesday in preparation for the quarterfinals of the Olympic tournament. Finland earned a bye to the quarterfinals and will face the winner of the Switzerland vs. Italy qualifying playoff game.

Why it matters

Lundell and Granlund are important players for Finland, with Lundell centering a top line and playing on the penalty kill, while Granlund is the team captain and plays on the top power play unit. Their return is crucial for Finland's chances of advancing deep in the tournament.

The details

Coach Antti Pennanen did not provide a reason for Lundell and Granlund's absence from practice on Monday, saying it was a confidential internal matter. Lundell sat out Finland's final preliminary round game against Italy due to illness after scoring the winning goal against Sweden, while Granlund has three points in three games so far.

  • Finland earned a bye to the quarterfinals on Wednesday (12:10 p.m. ET).
  • Finland will face the winner of the Switzerland vs. Italy qualifying playoff game on Tuesday (6:10 a.m. ET).

The players

Anton Lundell

A forward for Finland's men's ice hockey team who has one goal in two games at the Olympics. He is a Stanley Cup winner with the Florida Panthers the past two seasons and has 40 points in 54 games with the Panthers this season.

Mikael Granlund

The captain of Finland's men's ice hockey team, who has three points in three games at the Olympics including two goals. He has 27 points in 38 games with the Anaheim Ducks this season.

Antti Pennanen

The head coach of Finland's men's ice hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“That's confidential. I can't say.”

— Antti Pennanen, Head Coach, Finland Men's Ice Hockey Team (nhl.com)

“I don't comment on internal matters like that.”

— Antti Pennanen, Head Coach, Finland Men's Ice Hockey Team (nhl.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The return of key forwards Anton Lundell and Mikael Granlund will be crucial for Finland's chances of advancing deep in the Olympic men's ice hockey tournament. Their absences from practice on Monday due to undisclosed reasons raised some concerns, but the team expects them to rejoin the squad ahead of the quarterfinals.