The National Hockey League is officially returning to one of Europe’s most passionate hockey markets. In a landmark announcement made today, the league confirmed that the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators will travel to Germany for the NHL Global Series Germany during the 2026-27 regular season. This high-profile international event will feature two regular-season games that promise to showcase the league’s elite talent on a global stage.
While the 2025-26 season is currently reaching its thrilling conclusion, the NHL is already looking ahead to its international calendar for the following year. The NHL Global Series Germany is designed to capitalize on the surging popularity of the sport in Central Europe, bringing meaningful games to a fan base that has become increasingly influential in the hockey world. For the players involved, it represents a unique opportunity to bond outside of North America while competing for crucial points in the standings.
Confirmed Dates and Venue in Düsseldorf
Unlike previous speculative reports, the NHL has finalized the specific logistics for this international showcase. The Blackhawks and Senators are scheduled to meet for a two-game set on December 18 and December 20, 2026. Both contests will be hosted at the PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf, a premier multi-purpose arena known for its electric atmosphere and world-class facilities.
Choosing Düsseldorf as the host city is a strategic move by the league. The city has a deep-rooted hockey culture and serves as a central hub for fans across Germany and neighboring countries. The PSD Bank Dome, which serves as the home ice for the Düsseldorfer EG of the DEL, is expected to be at capacity for both nights, as local fans get a rare chance to see NHL superstars in a regular-season environment.
A Landmark Homecoming for Tim Stützle
The centerpiece of the NHL Global Series Germany is undoubtedly the homecoming of Ottawa Senators superstar Tim Stützle. A native of Viersen, Germany—located just a short drive from Düsseldorf—Stützle has blossomed into one of the most dynamic offensive threats in the NHL. Since being selected third overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, he has become the face of German hockey, carrying the mantle for a new generation of European talent.
For Stützle, playing these games in the North Rhine-Westphalia region is a full-circle moment. He grew up playing in the German youth systems and has often spoken about his desire to bring the NHL experience back to his home country. The December 2026 series will allow him to perform in front of friends, family, and a domestic audience that has supported his meteoric rise from a local prospect to an NHL All-Star.
The Blackhawks’ Global Appeal and Connor Bedard
Joining the Senators in Germany are the Chicago Blackhawks, one of the NHL’s "Original Six" franchises. The Blackhawks bring a storied history and a massive international following to the event, but the primary draw for many will be Connor Bedard. The 2023 first-overall pick and generational talent will be entering his fourth NHL season when the puck drops in Düsseldorf, and his presence is expected to be a major marketing driver for the series.
The matchup presents a fascinating contrast between two rebuilding teams that are expected to be hitting their stride by the 2026-27 campaign. Chicago features a young, fast-paced roster designed to entertain, while Ottawa boasts a core of established stars. For the German fans, seeing Bedard and Stützle share the ice in a competitive setting offers a glimpse into the future of the league.
Strategic Growth in the German Market
The decision to bring the NHL Global Series Germany to Düsseldorf reflects the league's long-term commitment to the German market. Germany has consistently produced high-end NHL talent in recent years, including the likes of Leon Draisaitl, Moritz Seider, and JJ Peterka. By bringing regular-season games to the country, the NHL and the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) aim to inspire the next generation of German players and solidify the league's commercial footprint in Europe.
The 2026-27 series will be more than just two games on the calendar; it will be a week-long celebration of hockey. The NHL typically organizes community events, youth clinics, and fan festivals in the host city leading up to the games, ensuring that the impact of the visit extends far beyond the final horn at the PSD Bank Dome.
As the 2026-27 season approaches, fans can expect further details regarding ticket sales and broadcast schedules. For now, the hockey world can mark its calendars for a historic December in Düsseldorf, where the Blackhawks and Senators will write the next chapter of the NHL’s international legacy.
Sources & Original Reporting
