Leon Draisaitl is thrilled that the NHL will play regular-season games in Germany each of the next three years. Especially when he travels with his Edmonton Oilers in the 2027-28 season.
The NHL and NHLPA announced on Thursday that Draisaitl and the Oilers will play in Cologne, his home city. It is part of the 2027 NHL Global Series Germany. The Boston Bruins, spearheaded by German native JJ Peterka, will play in Munich. More details, including ticketing and opponents, will be announced this season.
No matter the final details, the NHL’s bigger foray into the German market has Draisaitl excited. He was part of a press conference Thursday at the training ground of FC Bayern Munich. It heralded a unique partnership between one of world soccer’s most iconic clubs and the NHL. A real chance to grow hockey in Germany.
Along with Draisaitl at the press conference were Peterka, Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies from Canada, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, and Rouven Kasper, FC Bayern Board Member and CMO. The 2027 Global Series Germany games are a major part of that growth initiative.
“This is something very special; I believe we have a lot of potential in Germany,” Draisaitl said in a translation of his remarks in German on the Bayern Munich website. “People here love ice hockey.”
Leon Draisaitl Thrilled to Play NHL Hockey in Germany
The announcement of the 2027 games furthers the NHL’s and NHLPA’s long-term international growth strategy in Germany, which includes investment in grassroots activations, content and other fan-engagement initiatives, and forging new, long-term business partnerships. The NHL and NHLPA’s plans include bringing more live, regular-season games to Germany.
“The fact that the NHL and FC Bayern are establishing this cooperation sends a huge message for Germany and the NHL. I really appreciate this and am very proud of it. I’m just so excited to play a regular NHL game here in front of my family and friends.”
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