DETROIT -- Pro athletes and coaches tend to take it "one game at a time.'' But the Detroit Red Wings are looking forward to a game that's almost 11 months down the road.

The University of Michigan board of regents today approved renting Michigan Stadium for next season's Winter Classic between the Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 1, 2013. The NHL will make the official announcement during news conferences Thursday at Comerica Park and Michigan Stadium.

“It's going to be quite the spectacle, being at the Big House, with 110,000 expected to be there,'' Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard said. "It'll be great for all of us.''

Players were a little guarded with their comments, since the official announcement hasn't been made yet.

"If it's going to happen it'll be very exciting,'' Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. "And to have something in this area of this magnitude will be great for the fans.''

But, will Lidstrom be a part of it?

"I don't know if this one game will sway me to come back or not,'' Lidstrom said. "I think it's great for the fans, great for Detroit and great for the state of Michigan that they're doing it.''

"It's Original Six, Toronto's not too far and people can drive in. It's close to Canada. It will be a great atmosphere. There are a lot of Red Wings fans and a lot of Toronto fans, so if it happens it'll be great.''

Detroit center Pavel Datsyuk said he had never even played before 20,000 fans prior to reaching the NHL.

"Now it's 120,000 (probably closer to 110,000). What's the next step, million?'' Datsyuk said.

Coach Mike Babcock said it would be "fantastic.''

"If we are offered the opportunity to have an outdoor game, we'd embrace it,'' Babcock said.

He was asked if he thinks it would have any bearing on Lidstrom's decision to retire after the season or keep playing.

"I don't think anything's going to sway (No.) 5,'' Babcock said. "I think what's got to sway 5 is that our team has got to be good and he's got to play good. I don't think the rest matters.''

As for being featured on HBO's all-access 24-7, Babcock said, "Ask Nick how many guys ate lunch with him (on the show NHL 36) You saw those cameras, you saw Nick. You never saw anyone else.''

Datsyuk said he watched a little of the 24-7 special and enjoyed it. Would he be willing to be featured on it?

“We'll see,'' Datsyuk said. "Today is not official announcement. I'll start thinking now.''