The Buffalo Sabres will have a strong presence at the inaugural NHL 4 Nations Face-off in February, as captain Rasmus Dahlin and starting goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen have been selected to represent Sweden and Finland, respectively. This international showcase, organized by the NHL and NHL Players’ Association, features teams from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States competing in a best-on-best format for the first time since 2016.
Dahlin: Sweden’s Star Defenseman
Dahlin’s selection to Sweden’s roster solidifies his status as one of the premier defensemen in the world. The 24-year-old Lidkoping native has become a cornerstone of Sweden’s national team, previously representing his country at the World Championships, Olympics, and World Junior Championships.
Dahlin has been a force on the blue line since entering the NHL in 2018 as the first overall pick. He ranks second among Swedish defensemen in goals (72) and third in points (311) during that span, trailing only legends like Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson in power-play production. This season, Dahlin continues to impress, tallying six goals and 19 points through 25 games while serving as the Sabres’ captain under new head coach Lindy Ruff.
Although Dahlin has been battling back spasms, which limited his ice time in Tuesday’s game, he remains a critical piece for both the Sabres and Sweden. He is expected to lead a star-studded defense corps featuring Norris Trophy winners Karlsson and Hedman, alongside other elite blueliners such as Gustav Forsling and Rasmus Andersson.
Luukkonen: Finland’s Rising Star
Luukkonen, meanwhile, continues his meteoric rise among the NHL’s goaltenders. The 25-year-old Espoo native earned his spot on Finland’s roster after an exceptional 2024 campaign. Since January, Luukkonen’s .913 save percentage and 2.46 goals-against average rank among the best in the league, and his five shutouts highlight his ability to dominate in key moments.
A gold medalist at both the U-18 and World Junior Championships, Luukkonen is no stranger to international success. He is expected to back up Nashville Predators star Juuse Saros, forming a formidable goaltending tandem for Finland.
For the Sabres, Luukkonen’s emergence has been pivotal. Signed to a five-year extension in July, he has solidified himself as the team’s top netminder after starting the previous season as the No. 3 option.
A Tournament of Titans
The NHL 4 Nations Face-off will take place from February 12 to 20, with games split between Montreal’s Bell Centre and Boston’s TD Garden. The tournament will serve as a prelude to the 2026 Winter Olympics, where NHL players are set to return to the ice for another best-on-best competition.
Notably, this event marks the first opportunity for players like Dahlin and Luukkonen to showcase their skills on a global stage alongside their peers since the 2014 Winter Olympics. For Dahlin, it’s a continuation of his work with Sweden’s coach Sam Hallam, with whom he built a strong rapport during the 2023 IIHF Men’s World Championship.
The complete tournament schedule includes marquee matchups like Canada vs. Sweden to open the event on February 12 and USA vs. Canada on February 15, with the championship game set for February 20. Sabres fans will also be watching closely as Team USA and Canada announce their rosters, with candidates like Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch vying for spots.
The 4 Nations Face-off promises to deliver thrilling hockey and a glimpse into the future of international competition. Dahlin and Luukkonen will proudly represent the Buffalo Sabres on this grand stage.