NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Speaks to Media in Ottawa

Bettman Addresses Return of NHL to Ottawa, Team Ownership, and Future of the League

Commissioner Bettman Provides Updates and Insights on the State of the NHL

OTTAWA, Ontario – NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman spoke to the media in Ottawa on Thursday, addressing a range of topics including the return of the NHL to Ottawa, team ownership, and the future of the league.

Bettman began by expressing his excitement about the return of the NHL to Ottawa, with the Ottawa Senators set to play their first game at the newly renovated Canadian Tire Centre on October 14th.

The commissioner also discussed the ongoing ownership situation with the Senators, acknowledging that the team is currently up for sale and that there have been several interested parties.

Bettman emphasized the importance of finding the right ownership group for the Senators, one that is committed to the long-term success of the franchise and the community of Ottawa.

Looking ahead to the future of the NHL, Bettman outlined several key areas of focus for the league, including player safety, growth of the game, and fan engagement.

On the issue of player safety, Bettman reiterated the NHL's commitment to protecting its players and reducing injuries, highlighting the league's concussion protocol and ongoing research in this area.

The commissioner also discussed the NHL's plans to continue growing the game both domestically and internationally, with a focus on expanding the league's reach in emerging markets.

Finally, Bettman emphasized the importance of fan engagement, noting that the NHL is constantly looking for new ways to connect with fans and enhance their experience.

The commissioner's speech was well-received by the media and fans, providing valuable insights into the state of the NHL and the league's plans for the future.