© @AlexanderStubb via Instagram

Finland still sees the Florida Panthers as their unofficial team.

The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, hosted a special meet-and-greet dinner for the victorious “Suomi Stars” of South Florida, almost a month after their Stanley Cup win.

On his Instagram, Stubb expressed his immense pride in all of you.

Assistant coach Tuomo Ruutu was present, along with all four Finnish members of the Panthers – Aleksander Barkov, Eetu Luostarinen, Anton Lundell, and Niko Mikkola.

Barkov offered the President a signed No. 16 jersey before dinner.

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A post shared by Alexander Stubb (@alexstubb)

Barkov became the first Finn in history to captain a team to the Stanley Cup when the Panthers secured a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Final on June 24.

“When asked about the possibility prior to the win, Barkov expressed that it would hold great significance for him.”

Barkov hails from Tampere, Lundell comes from Espoo, Mikkola’s hometown is Kiiminki, Luostarinen originates from Siilinjarvi, and Ruutu calls Vantaa his home, collectively representing different regions of Finland.

In Fort Lauderdale’s championship parade, Finnish flags adorned all four players.

It is highly probable that the Panthers will have more opportunities to meet the President in the future. They are scheduled to make an official visit to Finland for the 2025 NHL Global Series at Nokia Arena in Barkov’s hometown of Tampere. The Panthers will be facing the Dallas Stars on November 1st and 2nd.

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