Full Breakdown
Bruins and Oilers to Play Four Regular-Season NHL Games in Germany in 2027-28
8/20/2026, 8:47:35 PM
Germany Hosts 2027 NHL Global Series Games
The Boston Bruins and the Edmonton Oilers will each play two regular-season contests in Germany during the 2027-28 NHL season. The Bruins’ pair will be staged at SAP Garden in Munich, while the Oilers will compete at Lanxess Arena in Cologne. Opponents have not yet been announced; the league said details will be released later in the 2026-27 season.
Background & Context
The NHL’s Global Series has visited Europe since the first regular-season game in Germany in 2011, when the Buffalo Sabres faced the Los Angeles Kings in Berlin. Subsequent matchups have taken place in Stockholm, Helsinki and Düsseldorf. Munich’s upcoming games mark the city’s debut as a host of regular-season NHL action, and Cologne returns after hosting Global Series contests in 2018.
Key Figures & Groups
- Boston Bruins – NHL franchise based in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Edmonton Oilers – NHL franchise based in Edmonton, Alberta.
- Bill Daly – NHL deputy commissioner.
- Charlie Jacobs – CEO of the Boston Bruins.
- Marco Sturm – Head coach of the Bruins, the NHL’s first German-born coach.
- Leon Draisaitl – Oilers star native to Cologne.
- JJ Peterka and Lukas Reichel – German-born forwards on the Bruins roster.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Marco Sturm expressed enthusiasm, noting the chance to play “close to my hometown” and to showcase the Bruins to German supporters.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The 2027 NHL Global Series games in Germany present an incredible opportunity for the Bruins organization to build on our longstanding connection with fans around the world,” — Charlie Jacobs, Bruins CEO
- “I shared it with family and that’s about it,” — Marco Sturm, head coach
Data & Statistics
- Games: Four regular-season contests (two per team).
- Venues: SAP Garden, Munich; Lanxess Arena, Cologne.
- Firsts: First NHL regular-season games scheduled for Munich; Cologne hosts its second Global Series set.
- German Representation: Two German-born Bruins players and a German-born coach; the Oilers feature Cologne native Leon Draisaitl.
Why It Matters
The 2027-28 Global Series highlights the NHL’s commitment to growing hockey in Germany, a market the league describes as “dynamic” and increasingly receptive to televised and digital coverage. Staging games in two major cities and featuring German-born talent aims to translate local interest into sustained fan growth and sponsorship opportunities across Europe.
What’s Next
The NHL and the NHL Players’ Association have indicated that opponent match-ups, ticketing information and exact game dates will be released during the 2026-27 regular season. Fans can anticipate further announcements as the league finalizes the Global Series schedule.
