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Senators and Avalanche will play two regular season games in Sweden

By Dave Stevenson

Mar 11, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Sven Andrighetto (10) controls the puck in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Pepsi Center. The Senators won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Sven Andrighetto (10) controls the puck in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Pepsi Center. The Senators won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Ottawa Senators and Colorado Avalanche will be playing two regular season games in Sweden next season. 

The NHL is finally making an effort to expand their influence globally. Though they need to suck it up and let players go to the Olympics, they’re heading in the right direction. Sweden will be getting two regular season games next season, as the Ottawa Senators and Colorado Avalanche will play games in Stockholm on Nov. 10 and 11.

“Like Canada, Sweden is a great hockey nation,” Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said, via the Ottawa Citizen. “The Ottawa Senators are proud of our rich history in drafting accomplished Swedish players including two of our hockey club’s greatest captains, Erik Karlsson and Daniel Alfredsson.”

The NHL has gone overseas in the past. However, this will be the first time teams will be going overseas in midseason. It’s not a surprise Ottawa is one of the teams playing, as arguably their top two players ever are from there. Karlsson might be the most famous active Swedish player in the NHL.

As far as the Avalanche, they have captain Gabriel Landeskog. However, it’s worth noting he has been in trade rumors as of late and could be traded this offseason. Carl Soderberg, who is legally blind in one eye, is also from Sweden. It’s a bit weird the NHL chose the Avalanche, of all teams. No offense to them, but why not send over a better team so the people in Sweden will see a better product?

Must Read: NHL Trade Deadline Grades For Each Team

This is the first time since 2008 the NHL has sent teams to Sweden. The Senators and the Pittsburgh Penguins started their seasons in Stockholm. Ottawa will also be playing the Montreal Canadiens in an outdoor game in December.

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