Sam Ho

Here's how we predict Finland's World Cup of Hockey squad to look:

Forwards

Finland has plenty of depth at the forward position. A few of their natural centers will have to switch to wing because of that depth, but it's a good problem to have. Kemppainen, who some might have thought would be on the bubble, has started strong in his first NHL season for the Boston Bruins. He has only one goal and two assists in 21 games, but his size and strength are an asset for the Bruins. Barkov has six goals and five assists in 14 games for the Florida Panthers. He recently returned to the lineup after missing 10 games because of injury. Jokinen has six goals and 11 assists in 24 games for the Panthers. Koivu has 20 points in 23 games for the Minnesota Wild. Pulkkinen, 23, has six goals and five assists in 23 games for the Detroit Red Wings. Ruutu, a veteran forward for the New Jersey Devils, is on injured reserve because of a fractured right foot.

This is Sami Vatanen's fourth season with the Ducks. Harry How/Getty Images

Defensemen

Some thought Maatta, 21, could have a breakout season for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2015-16. So far he has been good with two goals and two assists in 18 games, but he's currently out because of an upper-body injury. Vatanen, 24, has five goals and nine assists in 26 games for the Anaheim Ducks this season. Ristolainen has four goals and 13 assists in 25 games for the Buffalo Sabres.

Antti Raanta has been a strong backup to Henrik Lundqvist on the Rangers this season. Jared Silber/Getty Images

Goaltenders

Prospective goalie depth chart No. 1 Tuukka Rask No. 2 Pekka Rinne No. 3 Antti Raanta

Finland has a chance to enjoy great success at the World Cup based on its depth in goal. Most thought the starting two jobs would go to Rask and Rinne, but Raanta and Karri Ramo are making a push to earn a roster spot. Serving as the backup for the New York Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist, Raanta is 4-1-0 with a 1.36 goals-against average and a .952 save percentage. Ramo is 7-8-1 in 16 games for the Calgary Flames. Rinne is 11-5-4 for the Predators, and Rask is 8-7-2 for the Bruins.