NHL Global Series 2026: Why Are Games Being Played in Europe?

The NHL Global Series 2026 brings four official regular-season hockey games to Europe, with the Carolina Hurricanes facing the Seattle Kraken in Helsinki, Finland, and the Chicago Blackhawks playing the Ottawa Senators in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The games are scheduled for November 12 and 14 in Finland and December 18 and 20 in Germany. Unlike preseason exhibitions, these matchups count toward the NHL’s 2026–27 regular-season standings.

But why is a North American professional hockey league sending teams across the Atlantic during its regular season?

The answer involves international fan development, European hockey traditions, local NHL stars, commercial partnerships, and the league’s long-term global expansion strategy.

Here is a complete guide to the 2026 NHL Global Series, including participating teams, dates, start times, arenas, travel challenges, and what the games mean for European hockey fans.

What Is the NHL Global Series?

The NHL Global Series is an international program that brings official National Hockey League games to countries outside North America.

The events give international fans an opportunity to watch NHL teams compete in person without traveling to the United States or Canada.

Unlike exhibition games, Global Series regular-season matchups affect team records, standings points, player statistics, and playoff positioning.

For the 2026–27 season, the NHL has scheduled four games in two European countries.

The series includes two games in Finland and two in Germany.

According to the NHL’s official Global Series announcement, the 2026 events represent the league’s 13th season staging regular-season games in Europe and its fifth consecutive campaign doing so.

NHL Global Series 2026 Schedule: Dates, Teams and Venues

The four games are divided into two international events.

Date	Matchup	City	Local Start
Nov. 12, 2026	Carolina Hurricanes vs. Seattle Kraken	Helsinki, Finland	7 p.m. EET
Nov. 14, 2026	Carolina Hurricanes vs. Seattle Kraken	Helsinki, Finland	8 p.m. EET
Dec. 18, 2026	Chicago Blackhawks vs. Ottawa Senators	Düsseldorf, Germany	7 p.m. CET
Dec. 20, 2026	Chicago Blackhawks vs. Ottawa Senators	Düsseldorf, Germany	2 p.m. CET

All four games are scheduled to count toward the 2026–27 NHL regular season.

The Finland games will take place at Veikkaus Arena, while the Germany games will be held at PSD Bank Dome.

Why Is the NHL Playing Games in Europe in 2026?

The NHL’s international schedule is part of a broader effort to build stronger relationships with hockey fans outside North America.

Europe has a long history of producing elite hockey players and supporting professional hockey competitions.

Countries such as Finland, Sweden, Czechia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Germany have established hockey communities.

Bringing NHL games to these markets allows the league to connect directly with fans who already follow the sport.

There are several reasons the NHL continues organizing European games.

1. Expanding the NHL’s International Audience

The NHL has millions of fans outside the United States and Canada.

Many European fans follow their favorite NHL players through television broadcasts, streaming services, social media, and online highlights.

However, watching a game in person creates a different experience.

A Global Series event allows fans to see NHL athletes compete in their own country.

It also introduces the league to people who may follow domestic European hockey but rarely watch North American games.

2. Showcasing European NHL Players

European-born athletes play important roles throughout the NHL.

When the league schedules games in their home countries, those players receive an opportunity to compete in front of family members, friends, and local supporters.

For example, the Carolina Hurricanes have Finnish forwards Sebastian Aho and Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

The Seattle Kraken also have Finnish connections through Eeli Tolvanen and Kaapo Kakko.

Their presence adds local interest to the Helsinki matchups, subject to roster availability.

3. Developing Commercial Partnerships

International games create opportunities for sponsorships, ticket sales, merchandise, broadcasting, and local partnerships.

The NHL can also strengthen relationships with European businesses and sports organizations.

These partnerships may help the league build a sustainable international presence beyond individual game weekends.

4. Supporting Youth Hockey

International expansion is not limited to professional games.

The NHL and NHLPA also support grassroots initiatives designed to introduce young people to hockey.

In Germany, their international development strategy includes youth participation programs and community engagement.

These initiatives can help build interest in the sport among future generations.

5. Building a Long-Term International Calendar

The 2026 Global Series is not an isolated event.

The league has repeatedly staged regular-season games in Europe.

In March 2026, the NHL and NHLPA announced a longer-term commitment to Germany, including additional regular-season games in future seasons.

That strategy suggests international games are becoming an increasingly established part of the NHL calendar.

NHL Global Series Finland 2026: Hurricanes vs. Kraken

The first two games of the 2026 Global Series will feature the Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken.

Both matchups are scheduled for Veikkaus Arena in Helsinki.

Finland Game 1

Thursday, November 12, 2026

• Carolina Hurricanes vs. Seattle Kraken
• Venue: Veikkaus Arena
• City: Helsinki, Finland
• Start: 7 p.m. Eastern European Time
• U.S. Eastern Time: 12 p.m.

Finland Game 2

Saturday, November 14, 2026

• Carolina Hurricanes vs. Seattle Kraken
• Venue: Veikkaus Arena
• City: Helsinki, Finland
• Start: 8 p.m. Eastern European Time
• U.S. Eastern Time: 1 p.m.

These games provide Finnish hockey fans with two opportunities to watch the teams compete.

The event also represents Seattle’s first regular-season games outside North America.

Why Was Helsinki Selected for the NHL Global Series?

Helsinki is one of Europe’s established hockey cities.

Finland has a strong hockey culture, a competitive domestic league, and a history of developing internationally successful players.

The country has also hosted NHL games before.

Helsinki’s NHL History

Veikkaus Arena, formerly known as Hartwall Arena, has previously hosted NHL regular-season games.

The venue hosted games involving the Florida Panthers and Winnipeg Jets in 2018.

The Carolina Hurricanes also played in Helsinki during the 2010 NHL Premiere Series.

Their return in 2026 creates a connection between the league’s earlier international schedule and its current Global Series program.

Why Finnish Players Matter

The presence of Finnish-born NHL players gives the games a stronger local connection.

Sebastian Aho was born in Rauma, Finland.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi was born in Pori.

Seattle’s Eeli Tolvanen and Kaapo Kakko also have Finnish backgrounds.

For local supporters, watching these athletes return to Finland as NHL professionals can be a major attraction.

What Is Veikkaus Arena?

Veikkaus Arena is a major indoor arena in Helsinki.

The venue has hosted hockey games and other large entertainment events.

Its history includes previous NHL regular-season matchups.

Hosting the 2026 Global Series provides another opportunity to showcase Helsinki as an international hockey destination.

The arena’s location also makes it accessible to fans traveling from other parts of Finland and neighboring European countries.

Fans planning to attend should consult official venue and event information for current entry policies, transportation arrangements, and ticket availability.

NHL Global Series Germany 2026: Blackhawks vs. Senators

The second European event features the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators.

The teams will play two games in Düsseldorf, Germany, in December.

Germany Game 1

Friday, December 18, 2026

• Chicago Blackhawks vs. Ottawa Senators
• Venue: PSD Bank Dome
• City: Düsseldorf, Germany
• Start: 7 p.m. Central European Time
• U.S. Eastern Time: 1 p.m.

Germany Game 2

Sunday, December 20, 2026

• Chicago Blackhawks vs. Ottawa Senators
• Venue: PSD Bank Dome
• City: Düsseldorf, Germany
• Start: 2 p.m. Central European Time
• U.S. Eastern Time: 8 a.m.

The Germany event is particularly important because the NHL and NHLPA have identified the country as a priority for international hockey development.

The league’s official 2026 NHL Global Series Germany event page provides the confirmed dates, venue, and matchup information.

Why Is the NHL Returning to Germany?

Germany is an important market for professional hockey.

The country has an established domestic hockey league, dedicated supporters, and a growing group of NHL players.

The NHL and NHLPA have announced a strategy designed to strengthen the league’s presence in Germany.

That includes regular-season games, grassroots programs, commercial partnerships, and fan engagement.

Germany’s Previous NHL Regular-Season Game

Germany previously hosted an NHL regular-season game in Berlin on October 8, 2011.

The Buffalo Sabres defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4–2.

The 2026 Düsseldorf matchups will become the second and third NHL regular-season games played in Germany.

This makes the event a significant milestone in the country’s NHL history.

The Importance of Tim Stützle

Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stützle was born in Viersen, Germany.

His connection to the region adds interest to the Senators’ appearance in Düsseldorf.

Stützle is one of the prominent German-developed players competing in the NHL.

The opportunity to watch a German star play an official NHL game close to home could attract both established hockey supporters and new fans.

Germany’s Other NHL Stars

Germany has produced several notable NHL players.

Leon Draisaitl and Moritz Seider are two prominent examples.

Their success has helped increase the visibility of German hockey internationally.

Although these players are not automatically participants in the 2026 Düsseldorf games, their careers demonstrate the country’s growing contribution to the NHL.

What Is PSD Bank Dome?

PSD Bank Dome is an indoor arena in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The venue hosts professional ice hockey and other sporting and entertainment events.

It will stage both Germany Global Series games in December 2026.

For international visitors, Düsseldorf offers transportation connections and accommodation options.

Fans should check official travel and venue information before making arrangements.

Do NHL Global Series Games Count Toward the Standings?

Yes.

The 2026 Global Series games are official NHL regular-season matchups.

They count toward each participating team’s season record.

A victory earns two standings points.

A regulation loss earns zero points.

An overtime or shootout loss normally earns one point.

Example: A Global Series Overtime Game

Imagine Carolina and Seattle are tied after regulation.

Carolina wins in overtime.

Carolina receives two standings points.

Seattle receives one standings point.

The game affects both teams’ records exactly as a regular-season matchup in North America would.

The same rules apply to player goals, assists, penalties, and other official statistics.

Are NHL Global Series Games Exhibition Games?

No.

This is one of the most important distinctions for fans unfamiliar with the Global Series.

Exhibition games are generally played outside the regular-season standings competition.

Global Series regular-season games count toward official records.

That means the participating teams have competitive reasons to win.

A result in Helsinki or Düsseldorf can influence a team’s playoff position later in the season.

How Does Playing in Europe Affect NHL Teams?

Traveling across the Atlantic creates logistical challenges that teams do not face during most domestic road trips.

Players and staff must adjust to different time zones, travel schedules, and preparation routines.

Jet Lag and Time-Zone Changes

Finland and Germany are several hours ahead of the eastern United States.

Players traveling from North America may experience changes to their sleep schedules.

Teams need to plan rest, training, meals, and recovery around those changes.

Equipment Transportation

Professional hockey teams travel with substantial equipment.

That includes skates, sticks, protective gear, uniforms, and specialized goaltending equipment.

Transporting these items internationally requires coordination.

Practice and Recovery

Teams must balance preparation with recovery.

A Global Series trip includes normal competitive responsibilities along with additional travel demands.

Coaching and performance staff may adjust training schedules to help players prepare.

Does International Travel Create an Unfair Advantage?

The effect depends on the circumstances.

Both participating teams must travel and adjust to the host location.

However, their travel distances, preparation schedules, and individual player experiences may differ.

It would be inaccurate to assume that one team automatically benefits simply because a game takes place in Europe.

How Many NHL Games Have Been Played Outside North America?

The NHL has a history of staging regular-season games internationally.

Before the 2026 European matchups, the league had played 48 regular-season games outside North America, according to its March 2026 announcement.

Those games included events in several European countries.

The 2026 schedule adds four more international regular-season games.

Why the Historical Total Matters

The number demonstrates that the Global Series is an established program rather than a new experiment.

The league has repeatedly invested in international games.

Each event provides experience with travel planning, venue operations, broadcasting, and international marketing.

That experience can support future expansion.

Why Does the NHL Want More European Fans?

European hockey fans already have access to professional leagues and international tournaments.

The NHL is seeking to build stronger connections with those audiences.

Greater Player Recognition

European-born NHL stars can help attract attention to the league.

Fans may begin following an NHL franchise because a player from their country competes for that team.

Broadcasting and Streaming

International broadcasting allows fans to watch NHL games from outside North America.

However, the exact availability of individual games depends on the country, broadcaster, and applicable rights agreements.

Fans should verify local coverage before purchasing a streaming subscription.

Merchandise and Sponsorship

International fans may purchase jerseys, hats, and other team merchandise.

Companies may also view the NHL as an opportunity to reach sports audiences in multiple countries.

Long-Term Fan Relationships

A live game can create lasting interest in a franchise.

Fans who attend a Global Series matchup may continue following the team after it returns to North America.

This is one of the potential long-term benefits of international events.

How Does the NHL Global Series Compare With International Games in Other Sports?

The NHL is not the only major North American sports league to stage games internationally.

The NFL has played regular-season games in several countries.

Major League Baseball has also organized international matchups.

The NBA has held games outside the United States and Canada.

Each league uses international events to reach new audiences.

However, the logistics differ because the sports have different schedules, playing surfaces, equipment requirements, and recovery demands.

For example, SportsVell’s guide to how long a football game lasts explains the difference between official game time and actual event duration in American football.

Hockey also requires a specialized ice surface, making venue preparation particularly important.

Why Is European Hockey Culture Important to the NHL?

European countries have contributed significantly to professional hockey.

Many NHL players developed their skills through European youth programs and professional leagues.

Finland, Sweden, Czechia, Slovakia, Germany, and Switzerland have produced athletes who compete at the highest levels.

International games recognize those connections.

They also give local hockey organizations opportunities to engage with professional NHL teams and players.

Different Hockey Traditions

European hockey has its own traditions, leagues, and rivalries.

The NHL does not replace those competitions by staging Global Series games.

Instead, the international events add another dimension to the existing hockey landscape.

For many fans, the opportunity to see an NHL game complements their interest in local teams.

What Is the NHL’s Long-Term Strategy in Germany?

The NHL and NHLPA announced a long-term international development strategy for Germany in March 2026.

The initiative includes additional regular-season games and broader efforts to grow hockey participation.

The organizations have committed to bringing NHL regular-season games to Germany for at least the next three seasons, beginning with the 2026 event.

The strategy also involves youth programs and community engagement.

Grassroots Hockey Development

The NHL Street Hockey program introduces young people to hockey through school-based activities.

These programs can provide an accessible entry point for children who may not have regular access to ice rinks.

Community Events

Fan events, hockey demonstrations, and public activities can introduce the sport to wider audiences.

These initiatives are intended to create interest beyond the immediate audience attending the games.

Why This Matters

A sustainable international strategy requires more than selling tickets for occasional events.

Long-term development involves participation, local partnerships, media coverage, and fan engagement.

Germany’s 2026 Global Series is part of that broader approach.

Can Fans Attend the NHL Global Series 2026?

Yes, the games are scheduled as ticketed events.

However, ticket availability can change.

Fans should use official NHL, team, venue, or authorized ticketing channels.

Tips for Attending

Plan transportation and accommodation before traveling.

Check the venue’s official entry requirements.

Confirm the local game time.

Allow additional time for security and arena access.

Avoid relying on unofficial ticket listings without checking the seller’s legitimacy.

International visitors should also review applicable passport and visa requirements.

How Can Fans Watch the NHL Global Series 2026 in the United States?

The games are scheduled at times that differ from typical North American evening matchups.

For U.S. fans, the Finland games take place around midday Eastern Time.

The Germany games are scheduled for early afternoon and morning Eastern Time.

Broadcast and streaming availability depends on the rights arrangements announced for each game.

Fans should consult official NHL listings and authorized broadcasters closer to the game dates.

Do not assume that every Global Series game will appear on the same channel.

What Makes the 2026 NHL Global Series Different?

Several details distinguish the 2026 event.

First, the NHL is staging four games in two European countries.

Second, Seattle will make its first regular-season appearance outside North America.

Third, the Finland games feature teams with several Finnish player connections.

Fourth, Germany is receiving NHL regular-season games as part of a longer-term international strategy.

Finally, all four games take place during the expanded 84-game NHL regular season.

These elements make the 2026 Global Series relevant to both hockey fans and people interested in the NHL’s international development.

Could the NHL Play More Games in Europe in the Future?

Yes, additional international games are possible.

The NHL and NHLPA have already announced a commitment to continued regular-season games in Germany.

However, future schedules depend on official league decisions.

The NHL must consider travel, team scheduling, venue availability, broadcasting, and competitive balance.

International expansion does not automatically mean a permanent European NHL franchise will be created.

That would require a separate and much larger decision.

For now, the Global Series remains the primary way NHL teams compete in official regular-season games in Europe.

How Does International Expansion Affect Hockey’s Popularity?

International events can help increase awareness of a sport.

They create opportunities for media coverage, community activities, sponsorships, and fan experiences.

However, measuring the long-term impact requires more than looking at attendance for one game.

Useful indicators include youth participation, television audiences, merchandise sales, and sustained interest in NHL teams.

The Global Series may contribute to these outcomes, but its precise impact will vary by country.

Similar differences exist in how sports develop local audiences. SportsVell’s article on how many players are on a soccer team explores the structure of another globally popular team sport.

What Should Fans Know Before the Finland Games?

The Finland matchups are scheduled for November 12 and 14, 2026.

Both games feature Carolina against Seattle.

They will be played at Veikkaus Arena in Helsinki.

Fans should monitor official team announcements for updated roster information, injuries, broadcast coverage, and event arrangements.

Because the games count toward the regular season, their results will affect both clubs’ standings.

What Should Fans Know Before the Germany Games?

The Germany matchups are scheduled for December 18 and 20, 2026.

Chicago will face Ottawa at PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf.

The games will provide an opportunity for German fans to watch an official NHL regular-season event.

The Ottawa Senators’ connection to German star Tim Stützle adds local interest.

Fans should follow official announcements for tickets, television coverage, and any schedule changes.

NHL Global Series 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NHL Global Series 2026?

The NHL Global Series 2026 consists of four official NHL regular-season games scheduled in Finland and Germany.

Which teams are playing in Finland?

The Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken will play two games in Helsinki.

When are the NHL Global Series Finland games?

The Finland games are scheduled for November 12 and November 14, 2026.

Where will the Finland games be played?

Both games will take place at Veikkaus Arena in Helsinki.

Which teams are playing in Germany?

The Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators will play two games in Düsseldorf.

When are the NHL Global Series Germany games?

The Germany games are scheduled for December 18 and December 20, 2026.

Where will the Germany games take place?

Both games will be played at PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf.

Do NHL Global Series games count toward the standings?

Yes. They are official regular-season games and count toward team records and standings points.

Why does the NHL play games in Europe?

The NHL organizes European games to connect with international fans, showcase European players, develop partnerships, and support hockey’s long-term growth.

Is this Seattle’s first NHL game outside North America?

The 2026 Finland games are scheduled to be Seattle’s first regular-season NHL games outside North America.

Has the NHL played in Germany before?

Yes. Germany previously hosted an NHL regular-season game in Berlin in 2011.

How many games are in the NHL Global Series 2026?

Four regular-season games are scheduled: two in Finland and two in Germany.

Are NHL Global Series games preseason exhibitions?

No. The 2026 games are official regular-season matchups.

Can fans buy tickets for the NHL Global Series?

Tickets are sold through official or authorized channels, subject to availability.

Will the NHL play more games in Germany?

The NHL and NHLPA have announced a commitment to bringing additional regular-season games to Germany over at least three seasons beginning in 2026.

Does the NHL Global Series affect playoff qualification?

Yes. Because the games count toward the regular season, the results can influence standings points and playoff positioning.

Final Thoughts

The NHL Global Series 2026 demonstrates the league’s continuing commitment to international hockey.

With four regular-season games scheduled in Finland and Germany, the NHL is giving European fans another opportunity to experience professional North American hockey in person.

The Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken will compete in Helsinki, while the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators will play in Düsseldorf.

These events also highlight the contributions of European players and the importance of developing hockey audiences outside North America.

For fans, the key takeaway is simple: the NHL Global Series 2026 includes four official regular-season games in Europe, and every result counts toward the 2026–27 NHL standings.

As the games approach, supporters should monitor official NHL announcements for broadcast information, roster updates, and event details.

For additional sports coverage, explore SportsVell’s guides to football team roster sizes, football field dimensions, and college football player compensation.