The Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators will play two regular-season games in Düsseldorf, Germany, on December 18 and 20 at PSD Bank Dome, the NHL announced. This marks the league's third regular-season series in Germany, following Buffalo and Los Angeles playing in Berlin in 2011. The Global Series games are part of the NHL's international expansion strategy.

Deputy commissioner Bill Daly called the commitment to grassroots development in Germany "a critical next chapter for the NHL." Rob Zepp, the NHLPA's director of international strategy, highlighted Germany's "avid, sophisticated hockey audience" eager to engage with the league. The NHL has now staged 42 regular-season games in Europe since 2007, demonstrating the league's long-term commitment to growing the sport internationally.

Senators forward Tim Stützle, who grew up near Düsseldorf in Viersen, is expected to be the marquee attraction. The 22-year-old led Germany with four goals at the Milan Cortina Olympics and represents the country's rising hockey talent alongside Leon Draisaitl and Moritz Seider. These games will showcase German stars competing on home ice, potentially inspiring the next generation of players.