Could the Edmonton Oilers be next to hold an outdoor game in Canada?
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman hinted at Edmonton as a potential host for the NHL Heritage Classic during Saturday's 32 Thoughts segment on Hockey Night in Canada.
The league has already set its outdoor games for next season with the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Washington Capitals at NC State’s Carter-Finley Stadium and the Boston Bruins facing the Pittsburgh Penguins at Fenway Park, but Friedman explained why the year after makes sense.
"There will not be one in Canada next year but the following season, 2023-24, it’s the 20th anniversary of the one in Edmonton, so I think that’s possible," Friedman said. "Edmonton is likely the next home for the Canadian Heritage Classic."
Edmonton played the Montreal Canadiens during the inaugural Heritage Classic on Nov. 22, 2003 at Commonwealth Stadium. The Canadiens, backstopped by tuque-wearing goaltender José Théodore, defeated the Oilers 4-3 with over 57,000 fans in attendance.
The Oilers have played in one Heritage Classic since, beating the Jets 3-0 at Winnipeg's Investors Group Field on Oct. 23, 2016.
The latest Heritage Classic is slated for Sunday between the Buffalo Sabres and the Toronto Maple Leafs at Hamilton's Tim Hortons Field.
