Bettman Meets With Potential Ownership Suitor After Claiming the NHL Isn't Interested in Expansion

PUBLICATION

Wade Messier
April 1, 2023 (1:58 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Gary Bettman is a very polarizing figure among NHL fans. Many view him as incompetent when it comes to his job as league commissioner, and his word isn't trusted by many fans around the league. Now, just weeks after claiming the NHL wasn't interested in further expanding the league, Bettman has gone back on his word.

Bettman Meets With NBA Owner

It appears as though Bettman has met with Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith in the last week to discuss a potential ownership over an expansion team. This isn't out of character for Bettman, who frequently goes back on his word. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman broke the news, stating the following:

He's interested in the NHL and the NHL İs very interested in him.

Salt Lake City hosted the excellent 2002 Winter Olympics and is considered the favourite to do it again in 2030. That could lead to new facilities, including a future home for the NBA team and an NHL brother.

The billionaire owner could help to bring a new sport to the Salt Lake City, and could potentially save costs by having the NHL team share an arena with the Jazz.

Whatever ends up happening, it's clear that Bettman doesn't care about his honesty and integrity in the eyes of the NHL's fans.

As Read On Blade of Steel - After claiming NHL expansion in the cards, Gary Bettman has meeting with billionaire to bring NHL to new market