Ever since hosting the 2010 Winter Classic, the Boston Bruins were seemingly bound to take part in another outdoor hockey game down the road. That looks to be one step closer to reality after TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported that Boston is the frontrunner to host the 2016 Winter Classic.

“I would think that by mid-January to mid-February, that it could be finalized if it all goes well,” McKenzie said during TSN’S Insider Trading on Thursday. “That’s the primary focus right now, but the deal is not done just yet.”

Fenway Park, the iconic home of the Boston Red Sox, hosted the 2010 New Year’s Day event. That year saw the Bruins host the Philadelphia Flyers in the third version of the Winter Classic.

If the game were to be held at Fenway Park again, it would be the first venue to hold two versions of the NHL’s tradition on January 1. But maybe the league will go a different route. In the past, Gillette Stadium in Foxboro was rumored to be a place to hold a Winter Classic or Stadium Series, and having 68,000-plus in attendance would be appealing enough to put it there – despite the lack of hotels and public transportation in the area. Another potential venue could be Alumni Stadium, home of Boston College Football, which is closer in proximity to Boston.

McKenzie also reported that Denver and Minnesota would likely get the Stadium Series, while Winnipeg is the favorite to host the 2016 Heritage Classic.

A potential Bruins-Canadiens matchup in the 2016 Winter Classic – whether it’s at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium or Alumni Stadium – would be pretty appealing to The Hub of Hockey.