NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the city of Winnipeg appears to be a frontrunner to host the 2026 outdoor Heritage Classic game next season. On Saturday's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman let some tasty tidbits fall regarding the return of the NHL's Heritage Classic, <a href='https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/winnipeg-jets/latest-news/winnipeg-emerging-as-top-contender-to-host-2026-heritage-classic' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>and why Manitoba might soon be back in the hockey spotlight.</a> Appearing on the 'Headlines' segment with Ron MacLean, Friedman announced that the league is seeking to reinstate its legendary outdoor game, and Winnipeg ranks as the most likely candidate. Looks like there's going to be one next year and the whispers from out west is that Winnipeg is going to be a serious contender to host it. - Elliotte Friedman <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/JetsEmpir3/status/1979744971038355872'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/NikLynam/status/1979713671359303975'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Although details are not yet confirmed, the grapevine is abuzz that Manitobans will see another massive outdoor spectacle in the near future. <h3>Winnipeg first hosted the Heritage Classic nearly a decade ago in 2016</h3> This would not be the first Heritage Classic experience for the Jets. The franchise had previously hosted the event back in 2016, welcoming the Edmonton Oilers to then-Investors Group Field, the home stadium of the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Winnipeg had lost 3-0 on that date, with then-young Connor McDavid having one assist in the win. Three years afterward, the Jets resumed outdoor play in the 2019 Heritage Classic against the Calgary Flames at Mosaic Stadium in Regina. This time, Winnipeg turned the script with an overtime victory, bringing their outdoor record to an even 1-1. If Friedman's account is true, the Jets might soon have another chance at outdoor success, and the city of Winnipeg might once again be the hub of one of hockey's most storied traditions.