Is 2013 Winter Classic in Danger?

As the NHL's Stanley Cup Finals gets underway tonight, something not a lot of fans are taking into consideration is the fact than the CBA expires in September and the league has let it be known that they want to modify if not entirely renegotiate the deal. Particularly, the league is looking to reduce the salary cap, which has grown repeatedly since the last agreement was reached. The threat of yet another work stoppage is not something the players union nor the league wants to consider at this point in time but there is a legitimate threat that this could occur. The players are not likely to quickly accept a cut in pay across the board and the league owners are just as unlikely to allow salaries to keep growing so there is certainly some negotiating to be done in order for the sides to reach an agreement. The league totally lost a full season (2004-2005) and it was not very long ago. Now here we are again looking at the chance that it could be a long time before another NHL game is played following this final series. In addition to training camp and opening night, one event that would be threatened would be the much anticipated 2013 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium. The thought of the NHL missing out on the biggest outdoor game ever over a labor disagreement is concerning to fans of not just the participating Red Wings and Maple Leafs but all fans across the league. Fans don't like when the business side of things prevents the entertainment side of the sports world from being showcased. The league and the players union needs to start working on an agreement this summer so we don't miss out on another exciting full season of hockey in 2012-2013.