Kaapo Kakko Shines in Debut at Winter Olympics with Finland

Seattle Kraken forward overcomes injury to compete for gold medal favorites

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Seattle Kraken forward Kaapo Kakko overcame a slow start to the season caused by injuries, arriving at the Winter Olympics ready to compete for Team Finland for the first time. His participation marks a significant milestone for Kakko, who had been eager to represent his country on this prestigious international platform.

Why it matters

Kakko's Olympic debut not only brings attention to Finland's strong hockey tradition but also underscores the growing impact of the Seattle Kraken within the NHL and international hockey communities.

The details

Although Kakko has previously played in the World Championships at the under-18 and under-20 levels, the Olympic Games present a far larger arena to showcase his skills. Finland arrived at the Games as the reigning gold medalists from 2022, facing tough competition from North American teams, especially Canada and the U.S., who have included many NHL All-Star players in their lineups.

  • Kakko overcame a slow start to the season caused by injuries to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The players

Kaapo Kakko

A forward for the Seattle Kraken who is making his Olympic debut for Team Finland.

Team Finland

The reigning gold medalists from the 2022 Winter Olympics, facing tough competition from North American teams like Canada and the U.S.

Seattle Kraken

The NHL team that Kaapo Kakko plays for, whose growing impact within the league and international hockey is underscored by Kakko's Olympic debut.

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What they’re saying

“This thing happens only once in four years, so this is something you want to be a part of.”

— Kaapo Kakko

“We have good fans here and I hope they're gonna [be] rooting for me and Tolvanen.”

— Kaapo Kakko

What’s next

Kakko's performance on the global stage at the Winter Olympics is likely to enhance his development and contribute to Finland's ambitions in the tournament.

The takeaway

Kaapo Kakko's Olympic debut represents both personal achievement and national pride, illustrating his commitment to the sport despite injury setbacks earlier in the season. His participation underscores the growing impact of the Seattle Kraken within the NHL and international hockey communities.