As expected the NHL and NHLPA announced on Friday that the 2020 Global Series games and other international matchups have been canceled.
The Bruins and Predators were scheduled to play two games in Prague, Czech Republic, while the Avalanche and Blue Jackets were set to face-off in Helsinki, Finland as part of the NHL Global Series. Before that, the Bruins were going to meet German side Adler Mannheim in Mannheim, Germany and the Predators were scheduled to play SC Bern in Bern, Switzerland.
“We are disappointed by the postponement of our trip to Finland, but look forward to having the opportunity to play in front of Finland’s passionate hockey fans in the future,” said Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen, a Finland native.
The NHL was already likely not going to return to China this fall for preseason games due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The NHLPA and the NHL remain committed to maintaining and growing our international presence,” reads the joint NHL/NHLPA announcement. “We hope that our fans overseas understand the need to postpone the 2020 games, but we look forward to being back with them in 2021.”
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Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.