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WASHINGTON — The details are still being worked out but all signs are pointing to an outdoor game next December at TD Place.

Speaking before the Centennial Classic in Toronto on Sunday, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told reporters the plan is for the league to hold three outdoor games next season, and it’s expected one of those will be held in Ottawa to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the league, with the Senators taking on the Montreal Canadiens.

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The first NHL game in history was played Dec. 19, 1917 in Ottawa between the Senators and Canadiens but league officials want the game played on a weekend, which means it would likely be held Sunday, Dec. 17 instead of on Tuesday, Dec. 19. TD Place will be expanded to 35,000 seats for the 2017 Grey Cup, and that seating will be kept in place.

Bettman alluded to the game while speaking in Toronto.

“We’re focused on a game on the same day that we played our first game,” Bettman said. “Obviously, we’re (also) focused on a Winter Classic. So my guess is we’re probably talking about three games next year, give or take, but none have been finalized.”

Officials from the NHL, the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, the city and the Senators are working on finalizing the details for the weekend, which would include an alumni game and skills competition on Dec. 16. It would also mark the final event on the calendar to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.

All four parties involved in the negotiations are hoping to make an announcement sometime this month.

bgarrioch@postmedia.com

Twitter: @sungarrioch