Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken Open NHL Global Series in Finland

The Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken are set to open the 2026 NHL Global Series Finland with a game in Helsinki on Thursday, November 12. Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho returns to his home country leading the defending Stanley Cup champions in points.

Context

The NHL Global Series has been held annually since 2017, featuring games played outside North America. Finland has a rich hockey culture and has produced numerous NHL players, making it a fitting location for this event. The Carolina Hurricanes are the defending Stanley Cup champions, while the Seattle Kraken are a relatively new franchise, adding intrigue to the matchup.

Why it matters

The NHL Global Series aims to promote hockey internationally and strengthen the league's global brand. This event highlights the growing interest in hockey in Finland, a country known for producing top talent. It also provides an opportunity for local fans to see NHL teams and players in person.

Implications

The success of this event may lead to more NHL games being held in Europe, further expanding the league's reach. Local businesses in Helsinki could benefit from increased tourism and fan engagement. Additionally, the exposure for Finnish players in the NHL could inspire younger athletes in the country.

What to watch

Fans will be watching how Sebastian Aho performs in his home country, as he is a key player for the Hurricanes. The game will also serve as a test of the NHL's ability to engage international audiences. Additionally, the response from Finnish fans and media will be closely monitored, as it could influence future events in Europe.