Expansion plans were not part of the NHL’s recent board of governors gathering, revealed commissioner Gary Bettman post-meeting. The league has maintained a 32-team structure since Seattle’s debut in the 2021-22 season, with interests expressed in establishing franchises in cities like Atlanta and Houston. Bettman acknowledged ongoing inquiries from various locations but emphasized that no proposals have escalated to a priority level.
Regarding potential expansion discussions at the next board session in Colorado Springs this December, Bettman clarified that decisions on this matter would be contingent on external interest. He explained that the NHL would assess any incoming propositions before deciding on the appropriate course of action.
In addition to expansion talks, Bettman raised concerns about the construction timeline of the primary hockey arena in Milan for the impending Olympics. However, he noted that the International Olympic Committee holds the authority over this matter, and the NHL’s involvement is limited to what is feasible within those constraints.
Addressing another key topic, Bettman dismissed speculations about a significant increase in the NHL salary cap, asserting that the current cap structure remains unaltered. He refuted claims of ongoing discussions on raising the cap beyond the agreed-upon threshold, reiterating the league’s adherence to existing agreements.
Characterizing the recent board meeting as routine and focused on operational details, Bettman stressed that no groundbreaking announcements were made. The session primarily involved updates on league operations, officiating, and initiatives for global hockey development. Discussions on the sale process of the Pittsburgh Penguins and preparations for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey were also touched upon during the meeting.
In response to queries about his tenure as NHL commissioner, Bettman expressed his commitment to the role, stating that he has no immediate plans of stepping down and remains dedicated to continuing his leadership for the foreseeable future.