NHL lockout: Winter Classic, All-Star Game could be canceled next week

The NHL Winter Classic and All-Star Game will be canceled next week, according to a report by John Buccigross of ESPN. Citing league sources, Buccigross originally said that the games would be canceled Monday before issuing a correction.

The agreement between the NHL and the University of Michigan, owners of Winter Classic venue Michigan Stadium, calls for a payment of $250,000 from the league to the university on Friday, Nov. 2. That payment is non-refundable in the event of the cancellation of the game. If the league cancels before Nov. 2, they'll lose the initial $100,000 payment already sent to the university.

Tim Panaccio of Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia has contested that NHL deputy comissioner Bill Daly informed him that the league has no plans to make any announcement on Monday. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period echoed the same report.

In addition, Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch reported late on Thursday night and earlier Friday morning that Daly told him that the league has no imminent plans to cancel the All-Star Game.