Rasmus Ristolainen becomes the third Flyer to be selected for the 2026 Olympics

Flyers’ Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has been named to Team Finland’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy.

The Finnish Ice Hockey Association announced the men’s ice hockey roster on January 2, 2026, and Ristolainen is one of the eight defensemen selected. This will be his Olympic debut, as NHL players return to the Games for the first time since 2014.

He recently returned from injury (missing the start of the 2025-26 NHL season) but has earned a spot based on his experience and physical play. Ristolainen previously represented Finland internationally, including scoring the gold-medal overtime winner at the 2014 World Juniors.

Sources confirming this are Jamey Baskow and Flyers Nitty Gritty—all published today. The men’s hockey tournament runs from February 11-22, 2026.

Ristolainen becomes the third player for the Flyers to receive an olympic bid, joining both Rodrigo Abols (Latvia) and Travis Sanheim (Canada).

Rasmus Ristolainen has been named to Team Finland for the upcoming Olympics.

Cool story for him, as he missed time earlier in the season with a Tricep Injury

Risto will speak to the media today at 1pm#Flyers pic.twitter.com/PVBOjp9CPk

— Jamey Baskow (@JameyBaskow) January 2, 2026

As of right now:

The Flyers have 3 players headed to the Olympics in February, Rodrigo Abols (Latvia), Rasmus Ristolainen (Finland), Travis Sanheim (Canada).

Maybe Sam Ersson gets the call for Sweden and Dan Vladar for Czechia https://t.co/iNjrypfl8M

— Jamey Baskow (@JameyBaskow) January 2, 2026

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