Paul Maurice Linked to Team Finland After Players Questioned Leadership

Tension is reportedly simmering behind the scenes for Team Finland — or at least it was.

According to Finnish outlet Helsingin Sanomat, several Finnish NHL players lost trust in head coach Antti Pennanen following disappointing showings at the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off and the World Championship. The report adds that multiple players quietly pushed for Paul Maurice — currently the head coach of the Florida Panthers — to take over the bench ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

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Maurice, who has guided Florida to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in recent seasons, has strong ties to several Finnish stars. Panthers players such as Eetu Luostarinen, Anton Lundell, Niko Mikkola, and injured captain Aleksander Barkov are all key pieces for Finland internationally. Reports suggest that those players discussed bringing Maurice into the fold over the summer, either as a replacement for Pennanen or as an addition to the Olympic coaching staff.

Interestingly, Maurice was reportedly open to the idea. However, no formal offer was ever made. Finland’s general manager, Jere Lehtinen, was said to be aware of the players’ interest, but the Finnish Ice Hockey Association did not move forward with discussions.

Pennanen remains in charge, with his contract running through at least spring 2027. While international hockey rules would have allowed Maurice — who is not Finnish — to coach the team, the federation ultimately stayed the course. For those unaware, Olympic hockey coaches are not restricted by nationality. 

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