It appears the Maple Leafs will indeed play the Detroit Red Wings in next year’s Winter Classic — a game the NHL hopes will break attendance records.

A source close to the talks confirmed a deal was just about done, after similar reports in Detroit newspapers.

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It’s been an open secret since the last Classic, between the Rangers and the Flyers, that the NHL wanted the Leafs to play the Wings next time.

The Michigan website Mlive.com reported Wednesday that the Wings had come to terms with the University of Michigan to use Michigan Stadium — a.k.a. The Big House — for the Jan. 1, 2013 game.

The NHL would not confirm the reports.

“Winter Classic for next year is still a work in progress,” said Bill Daly, the NHL’s deputy commissioner. “We will make an announcement when there is something to announce.”

PHOTO GALLERY: The history of the Winter Classic

“Nothing has been finalized,” said Tom Anselmi, chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. “The league is well aware we want to be in the Winter Classic, host a Winter Classic, or both.”

The Leafs would become the first Canadian team to participate in the annual event, which has drawn a solid following on NBC television. Detroit owner Mike Ilitch had been lobbying for it. An Original Six matchup is a natural.

The league hopes more than 110,000 fans will fill Michigan Stadium, which would shatter the league attendance record of 71,217, set at the 2008 Winter Classic at Buffalo’s Ralph Wilson Stadium, where the Sabres played the Penguins.

In 2010, Michigan Stadium hosted a game dubbed The Big Chill at the Big House, between Michigan and Michigan State, that drew 113,411.

Mlive.com reported that other related events, an alumni game and invitational tournament, would be held at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers. Ilitch owns the Wings and Tigers.

The league is loathe to announce anything before the all-star game, unwilling to upstage that event.

An official announcement could come in February, after the Wings return home from a road trip.

WINTER CLASSIC HISTORY

2008: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo

Penguins 2, Sabres 1 (SO)

Attendance: 71,217

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2009: Wrigley Field, Chicago

Red Wings 6, Blackhawks 4

Attendance: 40,818

2010: Fenway Park, Boston

Bruins 2, Flyers 1 (OT)

Attendance 38,112

2011: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh

Capitals 3, Penguins 1

Attendance: 68,111

2012: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia

Rangers 3, Flyers 2

Attendance: 46,967