The National Hockey League is set to expand its international footprint by bringing two of its prominent teams, the Edmonton Oilers and the Boston Bruins, to Germany for a pair of regular-season games each during the 2027-28 season. This exciting venture, dubbed the 2027 NHL Global Series Germany, underscores the league's commitment to cultivating a global fanbase and fostering deeper connections with international hockey communities.
NHL Global Series Germany: A New Chapter in European Hockey
In a significant announcement made on Thursday, it was revealed that the Edmonton Oilers would grace the ice in Cologne, the cherished hometown of their star center, Leon Draisaitl. Simultaneously, the Boston Bruins are slated to compete in Munich, the native city of promising player JJ Peterka. Both Cologne and Munich will experience the thrill of hosting NHL regular-season contests for the very first time, marking a historic moment for German hockey enthusiasts. While the specific dates and opponents for these eagerly anticipated matchups are yet to be disclosed, the anticipation is already building. Bill Daly, the NHL's deputy commissioner, emphasized that these events are crucial for growing the sport in Germany. He expressed optimism that by bringing high-caliber NHL games to one of Europe's most passionate hockey markets, the league can deepen engagement with fans, partners, and local communities, thereby providing a substantial boost to the sport's development across the nation. Marty Walsh, the NHLPA executive director, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the special return of Draisaitl and Peterka to play before their hometown crowds. He noted Germany's rich hockey heritage and affirmed that these Global Series games are a vital component of the League and NHLPA's continuous efforts to forge meaningful relationships between NHL players and the German market. This initiative follows the NHL's plan to host two games in Germany during the upcoming season, featuring the Ottawa Senators and the Chicago Blackhawks in Dusseldorf on December 18 and 20. These upcoming games will be the first NHL regular-season appearances in Germany since the Buffalo Sabres faced the Los Angeles Kings in Berlin on October 8, 2011. Leon Draisaitl, aged 30, stands as the sole German-born player in NHL history to amass over 1,000 career points, with a remarkable total of 1,053. His accolades include winning the Hart Trophy as the league MVP in the 2019-20 season and securing the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy in 2024-25 by leading the league with 52 goals. JJ Peterka, 24, joined the Bruins from Utah following a trade on June 26, after recording 47 points from 25 goals and 22 assists in 82 games with the Mammoth during the 2025-26 season. Prior to this, he spent his initial four NHL seasons with the Buffalo Sabres.
This strategic move by the NHL to host regular-season games in Germany is a testament to the league's vision of global expansion and fostering international appreciation for ice hockey. By featuring local heroes like Leon Draisaitl and JJ Peterka, the NHL not only ignites national pride but also inspires a new generation of players and fans. The commitment to bringing top-tier professional hockey to passionate markets beyond North America demonstrates a proactive approach to cultivating a diverse and expansive fan base, ensuring the sport's sustained growth and popularity on a worldwide scale.
