The Blackhawks may be headlining one of the NHL's marquee events once again.
Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Saturday evening that the NHL is "finalizing discussions to bring an outdoor hockey game to Busch Stadium in 2017," which is expected to be the Winter Classic on Jan. 2 between the Blackhawks and Blues.
As Rutherford points out, the traditional date for the Winter Classic is Jan. 1, but to avoid interfering with the final week of the NFL's regular season, the event will likely take place on Jan. 2.
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The Blackhawks have participated in four outdoor games, including the 2009 Winter Classic against the Detroit Red Wings, a Stadium Series matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2014, last year's Winter Classic against the Washington Capitals, and a Stadium Series contest against the Minnesota Wild on Feb. 21.
While plans have yet to be finalized, Rutherford estimates that the announcement could come within the next week.