Jason Pominville's return to the Buffalo Sabres allows him another opportunity to play outdoors.

The winger is the only player on the current roster who skated in the original Winter Classic at Ralph Wilson Stadium (now known as New Era Field) against the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2008.

Almost a decade, eight Classics, and a stint with the Minnesota Wild later, Pominville feels privileged to look forward to the 2018 event between his Sabres and the New York Rangers at Citi Field, home of MLB's New York Mets.

"I was fortunate enough to play in the first one about 10 years ago in Buffalo," Pominville said Friday at a press conference at this season's venue. "Look at what it's become today. It's a privelege to be part of this. It's an honor.

"Our fans are excited about it, we're excited. Hopefully we can put on a good show and everyone will enjoy it."

Pominville, acquired in an offseason trade with the Wild this summer, was Buffalo's second-leading scorer in 2007-08. This time around, it'll likely be Jack Eichel who leads the club offensively, and the young center also has fond memories of the first Classic, but from a different vantage point.

This season's Winter Classic will be played on Jan. 1, 2018.

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