Statement by Gary Bettman on his future as National Hockey League Commissioner

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MarcO
May 18, 2022 (7:21 PM)

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With the National Hockey League playoffs in full swing, league commissioner Gary Bettman has been busy, travelling from one arena to the next to make an appearance.

Bettman, 69, was featured (in the last few hours) on the New York Post's "Marchand and Ourand" podcast and was asked about his future as NHL commissioner.

He made a very interesting statement, as reported by TVA Sports:

«I know I won't be able to do this job forever, but the fire is still burning inside. [...] The first night, I was in Carolina. The second morning, I was in Montreal for Guy Lafleur's funeral. That night I was in Calgary. The next night I was in Edmonton, the next in South Florida and the next night in Tampa. Even when I was in my 20s, that would have been a big trip" - Gary Bettman.

The American, who has been in office since 1993, knows that time is running out:

"I know time is running out, but as long as I have the energy, I'm going to stay in office." - Gary Bettman.

He would not answer, when asked about the precise moment when he will no longer be commissioner.

Several things will come into play for him:

"Obviously, as you get older, you don't want to get tired, so you have to stay healthy. I think I'm fit, I feel good. You also need the energy, desire and passion [...] and none of that has diminished. If I wake up in the morning and I'm not happy with what I'm doing and what's coming up for me that day, I shouldn't do it anymore," he adds. "I [also] need the agreement of the leadership, which I have continuously for three decades, and I am grateful for that."

So Gary Bettman has no intention of stepping down. Unfortunately, some would say.

One of the big issues for him remains (again and again) the future of the Coyotes in Arizona, who will have to play in an arena with less than 5000 seats for the next few years.

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