New York Rangers defenseman discusses future olympic aspirations following 4 Nations Face-Off
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Rangers defenseman Urho Vaakanainen had the privilege to suit up for Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Now, he pines for bigger stakes and bigger competition.
Rangers defenseman Urho Vaakanainen was fortunate enough to suit up for his country Finland in this first 4 Nations Face-Off held by the NHL.
While he and his compatriots were unable to overcome Team USA or Canada they held fast and still played great hockey.
Now, Vaakanainen will return to the New York Rangers ahead of the resumption of the NHL season on Saturday. However, the Finnish defenseman was recalled by Team Suomi after injuries to Rasmus Ristolainen and Miro Heiskanen left them short on the Blueline
They'd be held to two points in the round-robin tournament and would produce an overtime win.
However, Vaakanainen wasn't satisfied with representing his country in the 4 Nations Face-Off, he desires to play in the Olympics.
Now in 2026, he has a lofty goal to achieve, even if the Rangers don't win a Stanley Cup, or make it to the NHL playoffs.
He'll have to work extra hard, as his showing in place of players like Miro Heiskanen, and Rasmus Ristolainen was negligible.
He'd earn a -5 and Blueline Station believes at the moment he's not more than a 7th defenseman in any regular NHL team's lineup.
This may be true, but defensemen in the NHL are tough enough to develop as is.
We could see him turn his game around again next season, and find a way to secure a spot in Finland's Olympic lineup.
For now, he needs to focus on helping the Rangers secure a spot in the playoffs.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
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