Hurricanes vs Kraken: NHL Global Series Finland Preview

The Carolina Hurricanes and the Seattle Kraken are set to compete in the 2026 NHL Global Series in Helsinki, Finland. As of November 12, 2026, the teams are preparing for the first of a two-game set held at the Veikkaus Arena, marking a significant international stop for the league.

Why it is trending now

The matchup has generated significant interest as the NHL brings regular-season games to European audiences. Finnish fans are focused on the return of local stars, including Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho, who is playing in his home country. The event is being broadcast globally, with coverage available on multiple platforms in North America.

Key facts

• The first game of the series is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 12 p.m. ET, according to NHL.com.
• Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho enters the series with 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists) in 19 games, per NHL.com.
• The Carolina Hurricanes enter the series with a 14-3-2 record, while the Seattle Kraken hold a 9-6-1 record, according to NHL.com.
• Carolina head coach Rod Brind'Amour confirmed that defenseman Juuso Välimäki will play in the game to allow him to compete in front of his home crowd, as reported by Hurricanes.com.

Why this is trending in Canada

This event is trending in Canada due to the widespread popularity of the NHL and the availability of the games via national broadcast partners. Canadian viewers are following the series as part of the broader 2026 NHL schedule.

Background and context

The 2026 Global Series continues the NHL's tradition of hosting regular-season games in international markets. Carolina previously played in Helsinki in 2010 during the Premiere Series, where they defeated the Minnesota Wild. Sebastian Aho remains a focal point for the franchise as he approaches milestones in league history, including tying Olli Jokinen for fourth place among Finnish players in career goals.

What happens next

Following the first game on Thursday, the teams will conclude their two-game series in Helsinki. Fans can follow the broadcast through local and national networks including Prime Video and SN+ in Canada. Future roster decisions, including the return of injured players like Jordan Staal, remain pending based on team medical updates.