The process of replacement for Gary Bettman has begun
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The NHL may soon see the end of an era since the Commissioner Gary Bettman is approaching retirement.
According to The Athletic's Michael Russo and Chris Johnston, Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leopold has confirmed that the league is planning for Bettman's replacement.
As reported by Oilers Daily,, Gary Bettman has been the commissioner since 1993 and has shaped the league's growth but he has also faced criticism for issues like the inconsistent officiating and lockouts.
Craig Leopold has expressed his concerns about finding a successor who matches Gary Bettman's capabilities in term of management.
"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
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
The timing aligns with the current CBA expiration after the 2025-26 season and the negotiations already began.
Gary Bettman's potential exit following the CBA's completion would allow for a smooth transition while giving his successor time to be part of the process that his the negotiation of the CBA.
Many fansin Edmonton have called for new leadership to help address the officiating inconsistencies and modernize the league operations.
The search for a new commissioner is an important moment for the NHL and speculation about potential candidates is growing.
Fans and stakeholders will watch closely to see if the league opts for a fresh perspective or continue with Bettman's policies, but whatever the case, Bettman's departure will be a significant turning point in the NHL's history.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 23 | 267 ANSWERS The process of replacement for Gary Bettman has begun Do you think Gary Bettman will step out of the commissioner role in more or less than three years? | ||
| More | 94 | 35.2 % |
| Less | 173 | 64.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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