The National Hockey League (NHL) has adjusted its schedule ahead of the 2026-27 season. The decision for the shift in games looks to broadcast the games in primetime, seeking potential growth in European markets.

The season will begin on September 29, featuring a tripleheader exclusively on ESPN in the USA. But this time around, the league has introduced matinee games for the European fans. The NHL announced it via a blog post.

"A new fixture on the NHL regular season schedule for 2026-27 is a steady stream of Monday weekday matinee / European primetime games," the NHL informed on July 16. "Providing passionate hockey fans abroad the ability to watch their favorite teams, and some of the NHL’s biggest stars, in prime time during the week."

NHL further wrote in the blog that the inclusion of the matinee games can be regarded as a commitment by the league to a deeper connection with international fans. The Monday games will start at 1 p.m. ET, giving international fans time to watch their favorite NHL stars in action in primetime.

"This also provides a new offering to engage fans and new audiences in the NHL’s North American markets: a matinee game creates a unique and memorable fan experience and allows Clubs to deliver bespoke activations and fun engagement opportunities," the report read.

A Twitter page named @PuckReportNHL reported that the NHL is focusing more on Germany, and that Monday games fit that plan, as there are no Monday night games in Germany's soccer league, the Bundesliga.

This is not the first time that the NHL has shown interest in breaking through the European market. Back in March, the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the NHL announced a long-term international growth strategy.

It focused on bringing more NHL regular-season games to Germany, starting with the 2026 NHL Global Series Germany.

Attention now turns to the opening European primetime game, along with the international contests set to bring the NFL closer to its European fanbase.

NHL organizing games on international borders amid adopting the new Monday game format

The NHL has indeed taken a step forward to cater to its international fans, leaving no room for error. The first European primetime game will commence on October 12, with the Florida Panthers taking on the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, according to the NHL.

Although introducing matinee games makes space for international fanbase growth, it isn't all that the league has planned. European fans will get to witness live action, as two editions of the NHL Global Series will take place in Finland and Germany.

The defending champion Carolina Hurricanes will play two games against the Seattle Kraken at Veikkaus Arena in Finland on November 12 and 14. While the Hurricanes previously played two overseas games in the Premiere Series in 2010 in Finland only, this will be the first regular-season overseas game for the Kraken.

Next up, the Chicago Blackhawks vs. Ottawa Senators on December 18 and 20 at PSD Bank Dome in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Blackhawks played their last overseas game in Prague in 2019, while the Senators played in 2023 in Stockholm.

The season will feature 32 teams playing a total of 84 games, with the previous games tally being 82 for the regular season last year.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar