Matinpalo named to Finland 4 Nations Face-Off roster

Senators defenseman replaces injured Ristolainen of Flyers

Nikolas Matinpalo OTT added to 4NF FInland roster

© André Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images

By NHL.com
@NHLdotcom

Nikolas Matinpalo was named to Finland’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off on Sunday.

The Ottawa Senators defenseman replaces Rasmus Ristolainen, who has missed the past three games for the Philadelphia Flyers because of an upper-body injury.

Matinpalo, 26, does not have a point in 18 NHL games this season while averaging 12:00 of ice time, including 9:49 in a 5-1 loss at the Florida Panthers on Saturday. He has eight points (two goals, six assists) in 24 games for Belleville of the American Hockey League.

Ristolainen practiced Friday and took part in an optional morning skate Saturday but did not play in Philadelphia’s 3-2 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 30-year-old has 15 points (two goals, 13 assists) and is plus-3 in 54 games while averaging 20:31 of ice time.

He is the third defenseman who is unable to compete for Finland, joining Miro Heiskanen of the Dallas Stars (knee) and Jani Hakanpaa of the Toronto Maple Leafs (lower body).

The 4 Nations Face-Off will be held from Feb. 12-20 in Montreal and Boston. Finland plays its first game Feb. 13 against the United States at Bell Centre (8 p.m. ET; ESPN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS).

Related Content

Finland projected lines, defense pairs, goalies for 4 Nations Face-Off by NHL.com

Vaakanainen, Jokiharju added to Finland roster for 4 Nations Face-Off

Finland, Sweden set for next chapter in rivalry at 4 Nations Face-Off

Barkov named Team Finland captain for 4 Nations Face-Off

4 Nations Face-Off

Price 'would have loved to have played' for Canada in 4 Nations Face-Off

Engraved 4 Nations Face-Off trophy on display at Hockey Hall of Fame

4 Nations Face-Off raises $180,000 for Sun Youth children's charity in Montreal

Canada-United States championship game highlighted in Part 2 of ‘4 Nations Face-Off: Unveiled’

Guerin talks Wild approach to Trade Deadline, getting over 4 Nations with NHL.com

NHLPA: Goals & Dreams delivers unforgettable experiences for youth at 4 Nations Face-Off

NHL Power Player thrilled to be part of 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal 

Zizing ‘Em Up: Unsung heroes shined at 4 Nations Face-Off

NHL EDGE stats: 4 Nations Face-Off leaders

EDGE stats: Binnington’s heroics in Canada’s 4 Nations championship

4 Nations Face-Off final gets massive ratings across North America

4 Nations Face-Off leaves 'lasting impact' for players, coaches across NHL

Crosby's childhood coach ecstatic for Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off championship

Marner takes step forward with memorable moments for Canada at 4 Nations Face-Off

NHLPA: 4 Nations Face-Off just beginning new era for international hockey

Binnington 'wasn't going to lose' in 4 Nations finale, Blues teammates say

Short Shifts Power Rankings: February 21

McDavid's golden goal among top moments at 4 Nations Face-Off