Superstars from the top of the world! Here are the TOP 5 defense equipment of the Olympics.

The men’s ice hockey Olympic tournament starts on February 11. Before the tournament begins, SuomiKiekko previews the Olympics by highlighting the best countries for each position.

Today, we focus on five countries with the best defensive lineups in the Olympic tournament.

5. Switzerland

Switzerland has the best European-oriented defense in the Olympic tournament. The team includes three NHL defensemen, with the clear star being Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators, who has played 45 games this season with impressive stats of 11+28=39. Janis Moser ranks second in the entire NHL with a remarkable +39 rating. Jonas Siegenthaler has also played several years in the NHL and has frequently been seen in the Swiss national team.

The remaining five players in the defense are selected from Switzerland’s top league. They are Michael Fora, Dean Kukan, Andrea Glauser, Tim Berni, and Christian Marti, with Kukan and Berni having previously played in the NHL. Several names from the defense have also participated in recent World Championships, where Switzerland has reached the silver medal. The familiar core led by superstar Josi provides Switzerland with a solid foundation for the tournament.

4. Finland

Finland’s defense pales in comparison to the three countries filled with NHL superstars. However, the Lions will get nearly all their defenders from the NHL, except for Mikko Lehtonen. Miro Heiskanen is Finland’s top defenseman by all measures. He carries significant responsibility in both offensive and defensive zones, as well as on power plays and penalty kills. Heiskanen’s participation is crucial for Finland, especially after missing the 4 Nations tournament due to injury. Esa Lindell and Niko Mikkola are reliable defensemen who bear substantial responsibility.

The defense is completed by Henri Jokiharju, Nikolas Matinpalo, Olli Määttä, and Rasmus Ristolainen. Määttä and Ristolainen have been playing in the NHL for a long time. Lehtonen, who plays in Switzerland, has also played in the NHL and has strong tournament experience with the Lions in recent years. Finland’s defense lacks star power in the offensive zone, with a primary focus on committed and cohesive team play.

3. Canada

Canada’s defensive lineup is exactly the same as the one used in last year’s 4 Nations tournament. Its clear star is the world’s best defenseman Cale Makar, who has impressive stats of 15+42=57 in 55 games with the Colorado Avalanche. Naturally, all eyes will be on him in the Olympic tournament, as he is a truly standout player all over the ice. Makar’s teammate and defensive partner Devon Toews has just returned to playing form before the Olympics. Josh Morrissey has also surpassed the 40-point milestone this season in the NHL.

The most experienced name in Canada’s defense is Drew Doughty, who is playing in his third Olympics. The backline also includes Shea Theodore, Travis Sanheim, Thomas Harley, and Colton Parayko. The group possesses skill, speed, experience, and physicality. Canada won the championship in last year’s 4 Nations tournament and is relying on the same group of defensemen for the Olympic tournament.

2. Sweden

Sweden will field a strong defense from its own NHL stars. Rasmus Dahlin has risen to NHL superstardom with the Buffalo Sabres and is currently the country’s most effective defenseman, with stats of 11+37=48 in 53 games. Experienced players Erik Karlsson, Victor Hedman, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson bring their skills to the team, still playing at a high level in the NHL.

Recently traded Rasmus Andersson also adds skill to the offensive side. Gustav Forsling excels in defensive play. The defense is completed by Hampus Lindholm and Philip Broberg, with the latter being the youngest player in this group at 24 years old. Compared to the 4 Nations tournament, Ekman-Larsson, Lindholm, and Broberg are new names in Sweden’s defense. Tre Kronor has superstars in each defensive pairing, and several seasoned veterans are present.

1. United States

The United States has the best defensive lineup in the Olympic tournament. Its two brightest superstars are Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild, both of whom are among the NHL’s TOP 3 defensemen. Werenski has impressive stats of 20+42=62 in 52 games this season, while Hughes, traded from Vancouver to Minnesota, has scored 5+52=57 in a total of 52 games.

Quality can also be found behind the star duo. Brock Faber is having an outstanding season with the Minnesota Wild, accumulating 37 points. Jake Sanderson is on track for his best season, being on pace for over 60 points. The defense also includes Charlie McAvoy, Jackson LaCombe, Noah Hanifin, and Jaccob Slavin. Among them, Slavin particularly impressed with his defensive play in the 4 Nations tournament. Hughes and LaCombe are new names compared to last year’s top tournament. The United States has many agile and skilled defensemen, from whom strong performances are expected in the tournament.