NHL Set To Play Outdoor Game In Europe
The NHL continues to look for ways to grow the game, and expect to see more European connections moving forward. The league is very likely heading back over the pond to play an outdoor game, as soon as next season.
“I think it's going to happen, for sure,” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told NHL.com at the European Player Media Tour in Munich on Friday. “When it's going to happen, I couldn't tell you, but I would say relatively near future would be a good guess.”
It's been a busy week on the European front, as the NHL launched a partnership with FC Bayern Munich recently, and it's their home field where the game could be held, as Allianz Arena holds 75,000 fans. Daly admitted Germany is leading the charge as potentials.
The NHL has committed to holding regular season games for the next three years in Germany, and this year, the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks are playing the 2026 NHL Global Series, Dec.18 and 20, at PSD Bank Dome in Dusseldorf.
Leon Draisaitl and J.J Peterka each were excited about the possibility of an outdoor NHL game heading home for the German stars. “That would be incredible,” Draisaitl said. “That would be an absolute highlight for anyone.”
“I just hope I’ll be part of it,” Peterka said.
Expect to see Germany in the mix to host the game, with the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators likely on the list of potential teams. With the league playing regular season games in Helsinki, Finland, and Dusseldorf, Germany this year, it does feel like it's natural progression to take one of the game's outside for the 2027-28 season.
It's been a busy week on the European front, as the NHL launched a partnership with FC Bayern Munich recently, and it's their home field where the game could be held, as Allianz Arena holds 75,000 fans. Daly admitted Germany is leading the charge as potentials.
The NHL has committed to holding regular season games for the next three years in Germany, and this year, the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks are playing the 2026 NHL Global Series, Dec.18 and 20, at PSD Bank Dome in Dusseldorf.
Leon Draisaitl and J.J Peterka each were excited about the possibility of an outdoor NHL game heading home for the German stars. “That would be incredible,” Draisaitl said. “That would be an absolute highlight for anyone.”
“I just hope I’ll be part of it,” Peterka said.