News - Finnish Star Defenseman Shines in NHL as Olympic Aspirations Loom

Henri Jokiharju, the talented 26-year-old defenseman from Oulu, Finland, is making waves in the NHL with his strong presence on the blue line while gearing up for the opportunity to represent his homeland in the Winter Olympics. This season, Jokiharju has played 25 games with the Boston Bruins, showcasing his impressive skills by contributing six assists. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 205 pounds, his robust and agile defensive plays have been integral to the team’s strategies. Over his career, Jokiharju has accumulated 103 points from 19 goals and 84 assists across 432 NHL games with prominent teams like Boston, Buffalo, and Chicago, highlighting his consistent performance and durability in one of the toughest hockey leagues in the world. Originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks as the 29th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Jokiharju quickly rose through the ranks with his relentless work ethic and tactical acumen on the ice. Beyond the NHL, Jokiharju’s international career is equally commendable. Having represented Finland at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, his ability to compete against top international players has been well-recognized. A crucial member of Finland’s gold-medal squads, he contributed to securing victories at the 2019 IIHF World Championship and the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship. His leadership and defensive prowess were also vital in the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship and played a pivotal role in Finland’s triumph at the 2016 IIHF U18 World Championship. Jokiharju is poised to leverage his experience and skill set as he aspires to contribute to Team Finland’s success at the upcoming Winter Olympics. With his track record, he stands out as one of the top contenders ready to take on the global stage and potentially bring home Olympic glory for his country.