The NHL's best this week: Where should the next outdoor game be held?

"The NHL will cross a long-anticipated market off the list for outdoor games, hosting the first such matchup in Florida on Friday. The Florida Panthers will host the New York Rangers in the Winter Classic at LoanDepot Park, the home of MLB's Miami Marlins. Baseball and football stadiums typically add an extra layer of charm and uniqueness to the aerial visual of the game itself -- the scenes from Fenway Park in 2023 will forever be among the most iconic."

"Now that we can all take "Florida" off of our wish lists, here are the top five places where I want to see an outdoor NHL game held: 1. Utah. This would be gorgeous scenery -- imagine Rice-Eccles Stadium and those incredible vistas. The Mammoth are building something special in the state, and owner Ryan Smith could be a big advocate for a game such as this. I hope they are on the list for the near future."

"3. Istanbul. OK, that particular spot is a nod to my Turkish heritage -- but I'd love to explore outdoor venues outside of North America. How about soccer stadiums in hockey-loving countries such as Sweden, Finland or Czechia? Or imagine Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers playing at Allianz Arena in Munich, home of Bayern Munich. Of course, it all comes down to dollars and (making) sense, but for"

The NHL will host its first outdoor game in Florida, with the Florida Panthers playing the New York Rangers in the Winter Classic at LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins. ESPN will broadcast the Stadium Series on Feb. 1, when the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium. Baseball and football stadiums often enhance aerial visuals, with Fenway Park 2023 noted as especially iconic. Proposed future outdoor sites include Utah's Rice-Eccles Stadium for dramatic vistas, the Rideau Canal for a community-focused Senators preseason game, and international venues such as Istanbul or European soccer stadiums.

Read at ESPN.com