Lightning owner: We're 'close' to being tabbed for game in Sweden
Jeff Vinik believes his team has a chance to play in one of the NHL's international games next season.
The Tampa Bay Lightning owner told The Athletic's Joe Smith that while nothing is finalized yet, they are "close" to landing a spot in Stockholm next November.
Tampa Bay boasts a pair of Swedish players in reigning Norris Trophy winner Victor Hedman, as well as veteran blue-liner Anton Stralman.
"We’ve got a shot at it," Vinik said Thursday. "We’ve got Victor and Anton, (so) that would make a logical choice for us."
A league representative agreed with that sentiment and confirmed the team has made its desire known.
"We obviously understand the natural fit that this club would have if they were participating in a game in Sweden," NHL chief content officer Steve Mayer told Smith in an email. "The club has expressed interest. We will see what we can work out."
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman revealed Thursday that the league has tentative plans to bring games to Sweden, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland in 2019-20, with Stockholm and Prague potentially hosting regular-season contests.
The Lightning haven't played outside North America since October 2008 when they lost to the New York Rangers in Prague.