The Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers will each play two regular-season NHL games in Germany during the 2027-28 season, according to a report from ESPN. The matchups will take place in Munich and Cologne, though the opponents for both teams have not yet been determined.
This marks a continued effort by the NHL to expand its international presence, with regular-season games being held in Europe becoming an increasingly common occurrence. The league has previously hosted games in various European countries, including Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic.
Key Facts
- The Boston Bruins will play two regular-season games in Munich during the 2027-28 NHL season.
- The Edmonton Oilers will play two regular-season games in Cologne during the same season.
- The opponents for both teams have not yet been determined.
What does this mean for the NHL?
The NHL has been actively expanding its global footprint, and games in Germany represent a strategic move to grow the sport in a key European market. Germany has a strong hockey culture, with the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) being one of the top professional leagues outside North America. Hosting NHL games in Germany could further boost interest in hockey and attract new fans to the sport.
For the Bruins and Oilers, these games offer an opportunity to engage with international fans and expand their brand presence overseas. Both teams have notable European players, which could help draw local interest.
What happens next?
The NHL will need to finalize the opponents for both the Bruins and Oilers, as well as the exact dates for the games. Scheduling international games involves coordination with arenas, travel logistics, and broadcast arrangements. The league has not yet announced whether additional teams will participate in games outside North America during the 2027-28 season.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- The Bruins will play two games in Munich.
- The Oilers will play two games in Cologne.
- Both sets of games will occur during the 2027-28 NHL regular season.
Still unconfirmed:
- The opponents for the Bruins and Oilers.
- The exact dates of the games.
- Whether other NHL teams will play internationally that season.
Why It Matters
The NHL’s continued international expansion helps grow the sport globally and provides fans outside North America with rare opportunities to see top-tier hockey live. For the league, these games are a way to tap into new markets and strengthen relationships with international partners.
What To Watch
The NHL is expected to announce further details about the Germany games, including opponents and dates, in the coming months. Fans should also watch for potential ticket sales and broadcast information as the event approaches.