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For the first time in 41 years, NHL board ads are really changing

How it impacts you, the viewer, and the NHL business model

Sean Shapiro's avatar
Sean Shapiro
Oct 03, 2022
∙ Paid

It’s an important day for the business interests of the NHL on multiple fronts.

On the ice, in Switzerland, the Nashville Predators are playing an exhibition game against SC Bern. Off the ice, the league formally is announcing the full-time usage of digitally-enhanced-dasher boards.

The two developments are both connected and important to the future of the NHL, and it immediately impacts you as a viewer.

For starters, the preseason game in Switzerland is a reminder that the NHL is making its return to “normalcy” after three COVID-19-impacted seasons. The NHL Global Series was understandably on hold since 2019, and the Predators and San Jose Sharks will officially open the regular season in Czechia later this week.

The more notable change is the full usage of digitally-enhanced-dasher boards (DEDs).

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