The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan officially commenced today, 11 February 2026, marking a significant milestone for Los Angeles Kings winger Joel Armia. The 32-year-old veteran is set to make his Olympic debut for Team Finland as NHL players return to the international stage for the first time since 2014.
Armia enters the tournament following a productive stretch with the Kings. In his final game before the Olympic break on 5 February, he recorded his 10th assist of the season in a 4-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Through 38 games this season, the Pori native has tallied 16 points (9 goals, 7 assists), including five shorthanded markers, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s premier penalty-killing specialists.
Olympic Role and Lineup
Reports from Finland’s practice sessions in Milan indicate that Armia will occupy a familiar depth role. He is projected to skate as the right winger on the fourth line, likely alongside Mikael Granlund. While his offensive output has been steady in the NHL, Finnish coaching staff are expected to lean heavily on his 6-foot-3, 216-pound frame and defensive reliability during high-leverage shorthanded situations.
Finland opens its tournament quest today against Slovakia. This appearance follows Armia’s participation in the 2024 4-Nations Face-Off, which served as a precursor to this best-on-best format.
Season Performance & Contract Status
Armia’s transition to Los Angeles has been viewed as a tactical success. After signing as an “under-the-radar” free agent, he has provided the Kings with veteran stability. His current statistical profile for the 2025-26 campaign includes:
- Goals: 9 (including 5 shorthanded)
- Assists: 10
- Physicality: 33 hits and 22 blocked shots
- Discipline: 20 PIM with a +6 rating
The forward remains under contract through the 2026-27 season, providing the Kings with continued bottom-six depth following the conclusion of the Winter Games. Fans can watch Armia and Team Finland throughout the week as they navigate Group play in Milan.