NHL beginning process to replace Gary Bettman as Commissioner
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
Moments ago, NHL insiders broke the news that Gary Bettman will soon be retiring, and the league is beginning the process of looking for his successor.
Gary Bettman nearing retirement, NHL looking for replacement
»The fact that Gary is going to be retiring, but that's a couple years down the road and we're doing the planning now, and we have to make sure we get it right when he leaves.
Now we're going to transition to somebody else, and that should make us all a little concerned that we have to be certain we get the right person. It's a concern that I have that, 'How are we going to get anybody as good as Gary?' The answer is we're not.
- Craig Leopold, Minnesota Wild
Leopold added that the NHL owners have begun the process of looking at candidates to replace Bettman. To this point, Bettman himself has not released any statement confirming his retirement.
Gary Bettman is now 72 years old, and has been the commissioner of the NHL since the 1993 season. It's time for him to move on to the next chapter of his life, and for the NHL to get a fresh voice.
The NHL's current collective bargaining agreement expires after the 2025-26 season, and negotiations are already beginning for the next deal between the players and the owners. However, there are a few contentious issues that could always lead to another lockout.
It makes sense he would be replaced after the NHL's next CBA, but also that the next commissioner would be involved in the process. A solid candidate for commissioner should emerge soon if that's the case.
It will truly be the end of an era if this is the end of Gary Bettman in the near future. Many NHL fans won't be too disappointed to see him go.
Previously on Oilers Daily
POLL |
JANVIER 23 | 501 ANSWERS NHL beginning process to replace Gary Bettman as Commissioner Do you think Bettman will leave the NHL in the next two years? |
Yes | 350 | 69.9 % |
No | 151 | 30.1 % |
List of polls |