Finnish ice hockey player Benjamin Rautiainen has been awarded the title of the best player for the 2025-26 season in the SM-liiga, a recognition based on votes from hockey journalists. At just 20 years old, Rautiainen had an impressive season, leading the league in points and demonstrating exceptional skill on the ice. His performance not only earned him this prestigious award but also the admiration of fellow players, who had previously acknowledged him as the league's best.

Rautiainen's main competitors for the award were Maxime Fortier from SaiPa and his own teammate Joachim Blichfeld, who finished third in the voting. The Lasse Oksanen Award, which Rautiainen received, is one of the highest honors in Finnish ice hockey, emphasizing individual excellence alongside team success. Rautiainen's dominance throughout the season, reflected in both the points tally and the award voting, highlights his rise as a significant talent in Finnish sports.

The recognition comes at a time when the Finnish ice hockey league is gaining more international attention, and players like Rautiainen are becoming noteworthy representatives of the sport. This award not only celebrates his individual achievements but also positions Rautiainen as a promising athlete with potential future contributions to Finnish ice hockey and possibly international competitions.