Sabres’ Henri Jokiharju, Rangers’ Urho Vaakanainen added to Finland’s 4 Nations Face-Off team

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju and New York Rangers defenseman Urho Vaakanainen have been added to Finland’s 4 Nations Face-Off team.

The two will be replacing Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jani Hakanpaa and Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen.

Finland’s defense core now rounds out to Jokiharju, Vaakanainen, Esa Lindell, Olli Maatta, Niko Mikkola, Juuso Valimaki and Rasmus Ristolainen

– It’s great to have Henri and Urho on board. Both are highly motivated and looking forward to the tournament and representing their country.” Finland head coach Antti Pennanen said.

Jokiharju has tallied one goal and four points in 36 games with the Sabres this season. Jokiharju has 17 goals and 91 points in 383 career games split between the Chicago Blackhawks and Sabres.

“This is a matter of honour and a very positive thing, it’s great to join the team. I’m looking forward to the tournament” Jokiharju said after finding out he was named to Finland.

Internationally, Jokiharju has represented Finland on a number of occasions including winning gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship and the IIHF World Championship in 2019.

Vaakanainen has tallied six assists in 26 games split between the Anaheim Ducks and Rangers. Vaakanainen has a goal and 30 points in 162 career games split between the Bruins, Ducks, and Rangers.

Last week, Finland revealed that Florida Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov will be the team captain at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.

Mikko Rantanen and Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes, along with San Jose Sharks forward Mikael Granlund, have been named alternate captains.