The top NHL players from Finland have been engaging in discussions about the potential recruitment of Paul Maurice, head coach of the Florida Panthers, to lead the Finnish national ice hockey team, known as the Lions, during the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina. This conversation, reported by Ilta-Sanomat, indicates a desire among these players for a coaching change, specifically looking at Maurice to either replace Antti Pennanen or to join his coaching staff. This reflects a growing concern regarding the confidence levels in the current leadership of the Lions as they prepare for the international competition.

Paul Maurice, a seasoned coach with extensive experience, is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and has nearly 2000 regular-season games under his belt coaching in the NHL. His current role at the Florida Panthers has him working closely with elite Finnish talents such as Aleksander Barkov, Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola, potentially creating a synergy that could benefit the national team. Additionally, Maurice's existing connection to the Lions coaching staff through assistant coach Tuomo Ruutu may provide a smoother transition should he accept the role.

The discussions have reached General Manager Jere Lehtinen, who acknowledges awareness of the talks surrounding Maurice but has remained tight-lipped about his own stance on the matter. The choice of a new coach for the Finnish national team carries significant importance given the team's performance in international tournaments, and the involvement of prominent NHL players in advocating for change highlights their commitment to achieving excellence on the Olympic stage.