If the N.H.L. cancels the Winter Classic, it has no plans to reschedule the event for this season, even if there is a prompt settlement to the lockout, said Bill Daly, the deputy commissioner.

Responding to reports that the league will cancel the Jan. 1 game later this week, Daly wrote in a e-mail: “We aren’t commenting on the timing of the Winter Classic announcement. It will (or won’t) be made if and when necessary.”

But he added, “I can certainly confirm that if the game is canceled, there is no ‘resurrection’ scenario for this year.”

The Winter Classic, a regular-season showcase for the N.H.L., is scheduled to pit the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs, the first Canadian team in the Classic, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. About 115,000 fans are expected, a world record for hockey attendance.