Before COVID-19, the NHL had been sending teams to Europe at the start of the season in what they have called the "Global Series" in an attempt to grow the game and attract more fans overseas. The last time the NHL played games in Europe was in 2019 and featured Chicago, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and Buffalo. Now, the next crop of teams who will travel abroad have been announced. Next season's Global Series will feature the San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators and Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Global Series will take place in Prague, Czech Republic and Tampere, Finland next season. The Blue Jackets and Avalanche will play a pair of games in Finland on November 4th and 5th while the Sharks and Predators will take on Eisbaren Berlin and SC Bern on October 3rd and 4th.
Not only is the Global Series a way for the NHL to grow their profile overseas, but it allows the European players an opportunity to play in front of friends and family that may not be able to afford a trip to North America or have health issues preventing them from traveling such a long distance.
