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NHL makes plans to start next season in Europe

Last Updated: Saturday, January 31, 2009 | 10:56 PM ET

CBC Sports

Calgary captain Jarome Iginla, right, and centre Craig Conroy could be packing their bags for Helsinki next season. (Paul Sancya/Associated Press)

The NHL is tentatively set to kick off the 2009-10 regular season in Europe, according to CBCSports.ca's Scott Morrison.

The league will stage three games overseas, with Calgary facing San Jose in Helsinki, Detroit taking on St. Louis in Stockholm, and Chicago squaring off against Florida in Prague.

During Hockey Night In Canada's Hotstove segment on Saturday night, Morrison said the games are still in the preliminary stages because the teams — especially the Detroit Red Wings — still have to satisfy their gate needs, .

There is also a concern with the teams playing a full slate of exhibition games (9) before beginning the regular season in Europe.

This would be the third time the NHL will begin its season in Europe.

Last year, the Ottawa Senators played two games against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Stockholm, and the New York Rangers also faced the Tampa Bay Lightning twice in Prague.

The Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings competed in the first two games of the 2007-08 campaign in London, England.

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