Exciting news for Colorado Avalanche fans – according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the Avalanche will host the Detroit Red Wings and the Minnesota Wild will host the Chicago Blackhawks in next season’s NHL outdoor games.
As I just said on @NBCSN pre-game show, expectation is NHL will announce this weekend outdoor games next season for COL and MIN.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 22, 2015
The Boston Bruins are expected to host the Montreal Canadiens in the next season’s Winter Classic. McKenzie reports that the NHL will officially announce the 2015-16 outdoor schedule over the upcoming All-Star weekend in Columbus, OH.
“We’re hopeful of getting the game, and it’s trending in that direction,” Avalanche General Manager and Executive Vice President Joe Sakic said. “Until it’s officially signed and announced by the league, I can’t really say much.”
The venue for the Avs’ outdoor game is still unknown, but Coors Field is the most logical decision. Sports Authority Field at Mile High could also successfully host the game.
The Avalanche are heading into the All-Star break with a 20-18-10 record – just three points behind the Calgary Flames for the last wild card spot in the Western Conference. Erik Johnson will be Colorado’s lone representative at the All-Star game as the 26-year-old makes his first career appearance at the event.
Nathan is a staff writer for Mile High Sports. He can be reached on Twitter at @TheRealNatron.