Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is forced to sit out the tournament.
"It is clear that Rasmus is not yet ready to play. It's a shame for Rasmus and the Finnish team", says captain Antti Pennanen to the federations' website.
Ristolainen has missed the past three games for the Philadelphia Flyers because of an upper-body injury.
Ristolainen did not play in Philadelphia’s 3-2 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins despite practicing Friday while he also took part in an optional morning skate Saturday.
The 30-year-old will be a big miss for the Finns. Ristolainen has recorded 15 points (two goals, 13 assists) and is plus-3 in 54 games while averaging 20:31 of ice time.
Ristolainen will be replaced by Nikolas Matinpalo from Ottawa Senators, who does not have a point in 18 NHL games this season. Matinpalo took part in the 5-1 defeat against the Florida Panthers on Saturday
Ristolainen is the third defenseman who is unable to take part in the tournament for Finland, as Miro Heiskanen of the Dallas Stars (knee) and Jani Hakanpaa of the Toronto Maple Leafs (lower body) are also ruled out.
On a positive note for the Finns Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanenis expected to join his compatriots for the 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal.
Rantanen otherwise missed the Carolina Hurricanes' game on Saturday night with a lower-body injury after he was struck by a puck during Hurricanes' previous game.
Finland will play their first match on Friday against the USA.
