The NHL is gearing up to bring its thrilling action overseas once again, expanding the 2026-27 regular-season lineup with four games in Europe. Hockey fans in Finland and Germany are in for a treat, as the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks are set to clash in the 2026 NHL Global Series Germany on December 18 and 20 in Düsseldorf. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes will face off against the Seattle Kraken in Helsinki, Finland, on November 12 and 14.
Tickets for these exciting matchups will be available soon, with sales starting later this month. Finnish fans can snag their seats on March 31, while those in Germany can do so beginning March 27.
This marks the 13th season and fifth consecutive year that the NHL has ventured to Europe for regular-season games. It’s a testament to the league's commitment to its passionate European fanbase, who can also catch the action through various international media and NHL.TV on DAZN. The NHL’s stars shine brightly across social media and NHL.com, available in seven languages, ensuring fans worldwide stay connected.
Of the 48 regular-season games previously held outside North America, Finland has hosted 11, with seven in Helsinki. Germany has seen just one, a memorable 2011 matchup in Berlin where the Buffalo Sabres bested the Los Angeles Kings.
Veikkaus Arena in Helsinki, a familiar site for NHL fans, has hosted seven previous games, including the 2018 Global Series featuring the Florida Panthers and Winnipeg Jets.
The Hurricanes' lineup boasts Finnish talent, with Sebastian Aho from Rauma and Jesperi Kotkaniemi from Pori ready to play on home soil. The Kraken, too, bring Finnish flair with Eeli Tolvanen and Kaapo Kakko, both familiar with Helsinki’s ice.
This series marks the Kraken's debut in regular-season games outside North America, becoming the 27th franchise to do so. The Hurricanes, on the other hand, are seasoned travelers, having played in Finland during the 2010 Premiere Series, where they secured two victories against the Minnesota Wild.
These games not only highlight the NHL's global reach but also celebrate the rich hockey heritage in Finland and Germany, promising fans a thrilling showcase of skill and competition.