Headlines: ‘Expecting Toronto on Jan. 1’ for outdoor game

Elliotte Friedman talks about possible replacements for Mike Yeo, when Winnipeg and Toronto will get outdoor games, and contract talks between Andrew Ladd and the Winnipeg Jets.

Toronto is expected to host an outdoor game on Jan. 1, 2017, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. Their opponent, he said, is likely to be the Detroit Red Wings.

“We are still expecting Toronto on Jan. 1 with the Detroit Red Wings as the opponent,” said Friedman. “They had a tremendously successful game a couple years ago in Ann Arbour.”

The Leafs and Red Wings played in the 2015 Winter Classic in Michigan Stadium when current Leafs head coach Mike Babcock was the bench boss for the Wings. The event, should it take place, will be part of the Leafs’ centennial season celebrations, marking the club’s — and the NHL’s — 100th year.

Another outdoor game, in St. Louis on Jan. 2, with the Blues taking on the Chicago Blackhawks, is also expected to be announced, said Friedman.

Earlier on Saturday, Sportsnet’s John Shannon reported that Winnipeg is also likely to host the Edmonton Oilers in an outdoor game in October.

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