NHL Eyes New Destinations for International Games

The National Hockey League (NHL) is gearing up for more international games, with plans to explore new markets and destinations.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, speaking at the European Player Media Tour in Prague, revealed on Wednesday that the league has ambitious plans to expand its international presence, with a focus on bringing NHL teams to new and emerging markets.

In the upcoming 2024-25 season, the NHL has already scheduled two pre-season games in Germany and two regular-season games in Czechia and Finland.

These events are part of the league's ongoing efforts to globalize the sport and attract new fans outside of North America.

Since 2017, the NHL has hosted 20 regular-season games in Europe and 13 pre-season games across Europe, Asia, and Australia.

However, Daly hinted that the league is looking to diversify its international game locations, suggesting that fans should expect a shake-up from the current rotation of Finland, Sweden, and Czechia.

"To the extent we've kind of seemed to have settled into a Finland, [Sweden], Czechia rotation, I wouldn't get too comfortable with that, because I think it will change up probably in the short term," Daly remarked.

Daly identified England, Germany, and Switzerland as key targets for future regular-season games.

The NHL has a history of playing in these countries, with regular-season games previously held in Germany (2011) and London (2007), though Switzerland has yet to host one.

Daly expressed particular interest in returning to London, stating, "I think everybody probably has in their minds, kind of the priority markets. I think we want to go back to London. I think the players and [NHL] Players' Association want to go back to London and have a game there. I think Germany and Switzerland are both prime candidates for regular-season games in the future, so probably in the not-too-distant future."

In addition to Europe, the NHL is also considering expanding its pre-season games in other parts of the world.

Australia, which hosted its first NHL exhibition games last September at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, could see more action in the future.

The games in Australia were held on a temporary ice sheet and received positive feedback from the participating teams, which could pave the way for additional games down under.

"I think it was a positive experience. You start with the players and the teams and whether they had a positive experience, and obviously it's a long way to go to play two pre-season games," Daly said.

"But I think the feedback from both clubs was good, which makes it easier to convince the next two clubs that Australia would be a worthwhile initiative."

As the NHL continues to explore new frontiers, fans around the world can look forward to more opportunities to witness the excitement of live NHL action in their home countries.

With a list of potential locations in the works, the league's commitment to growing the game internationally is stronger than ever.