The NHL’s decision to give the Chicago Blackhawks the Winter Classic in 2025 is a mistake. Chicago has played in the game three times since 2008 when the Winter Classic started. The Blackhawks have also been covered in controversy since the sexual assault case that was brought up against them.

Wrigley Field may be a cool venue, and it’s always fun to see an “Original Six” team play in the game, but the stadium hosted the second-ever Winter Classic in 2009.

The NHL has chosen the same teams for this event way too many times as it stands, including the announcement. Chicago is tied with the Boston Bruins with four appearances in the game. The Penguins are close behind with three, and the Blues will now tie Pittsburgh, as they took part in 2017 and 2022. The fun of an outdoor game is to see new teams. This year, when it was Vegas vs. Seattle, the atmosphere was great! Plus, seeing the two newest teams battling it out in Seattle was a great choice.

Normally, for the NHL, marketing decisions have always been in the backseat and usually are the worst out of all the four Major Sports Leagues in North America. But this was perfect. Not only does this get more eyeballs on your new teams, but in those markets, people who might not have been fans of the teams now will see them in a new light. With three teams not even playing outdoor games yet — Columbus Blue Jackets, Arizona Coyotes, and Florida Panthers — Arizona needs to figure out what they are doing and where they are playing. Florida could play the Tampa Bay Lightning in either the Winter Classic or Stadium Series and Columbus has so many options to play as well. In Ohio Stadium, you have them play the Red Wings or Penguins. Both teams are great possibilities.

After the past two years with the 2010 Cup team having a sexual assault cover-up, and this year with Corey Perry being cut, Chicago doesn’t deserve the spotlight. It’s clear that the NHL wants to market Connor Bedard, but in the same light, the Oilers have Connor McDavid, the best player in the world, and he has not played in one of these games. I want to see new teams, and I’m tired of seeing Chicago embarrass the NHL time and time again, getting no repercussions for it.