Blackhawks to play Stadium Series game next season in Minnesota, per report

The Chicago Blackhawks will be suiting up for an outdoor game yet again next season. The team will head to Minnesota to face the Wild as part of the NHL's annual Stadium Series, according to Bob McKenzie of TSN.

A date has not been set for the game, but the Wild's hopes of hosting an outdoor game in Minnesota appear to be nearing fruition. The franchise isn't getting the Winter Classic -- that'll be in Boston with Montreal visiting -- but a Stadium Series game is the next best thing.

For the Blackhawks, the news isn't nearly as momentous considering the franchise has already appeared in several outdoor games. Chicago lost to the Washington Capitals at Nationals Park on New Year's Day in this year's Winter Classic, and hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins at Soldier Field during the 2013-14 season.

There had previously been speculation that an outdoor matchup featuring the Wild would also include the Dallas Stars -- who relocated from Minnesota years ago -- but it appears the Blackhawks' popularity and star power has won out.

I'm sure there will be some jokes and comments about how frequently Chicago has appeared in these special events, and some of that is warranted. The Blackhawks are arguably the most popular team in hockey right now, though, and nobody should be surprised that the league continues to put one of its marquee franchises on the biggest stages possible. Everyone around these parts is surely thrilled. I know I'm totally ready to watch the team outdoors again.