Photo: NHL PR

Over the last couple of days, the NHL’s most active town has been Montreal.  At the Windsor Hotel, where the NHL was officially formed 100 years ago, NHL GMs met to celebrate the occasion, and to discuss league business.

On Friday afternoon, Gary Bettman spoke to the media on various topics ranging to expansion, league revenue, and the Olympics.  Here are some of the highlights from Bettman:

GARY BETTMAN HIGHLIGHTS

Bettman on NHL revenue:

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Gary Bettman says NHL revenues in 2017-18 will be between $4.5-billion and $5-billion.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 17, 2017

Bettman on the Olympics:

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Gary Bettman on the Olympics: “It made absolutely no sense to continue.”

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 17, 2017

Bettman on expansion/Houston:

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Gary Bettman declines to confirm he met with Houston Rockets owner @TilmanJFertitta, but leaves the door open for NHL to evaluate that market.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) November 17, 2017

Bettman on current franchises:

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Bettman says he has faith in all 31 markets and that “we’re not running around actively soliciting interest” for expansion and relocation.

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) November 17, 2017

NHL GMS MEET

In addition to Gary Bettman speaking to the media, NHL GMs gathered to discuss topics like slashing and faceoff violations.  Slashing penalties are up dramatically this year, as the NHL is really trying to crack down on dirty hits to the hands.  In addition to slashing and faceoff violations, the NHL GMs are on tap to discuss long term cap relief with player injuries.  Some of the NHL GMs want more clarification and a better designation on players like Marian Hossa and Joffrey Lupul, who are deemed “physically unable to perform” by the NHL.

OTHER NEWS AND NOTES

-Gary Bettman has not closed the idea out for expansion or relocation.  It is well known that Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta is very interested in bringing an NHL team to Houston.  With only 31 teams, the NHL could feasibly place Houston in the Central Division and be even in all of the divisions.  It is likely the NHL will continue to keep Houston in the loop in regards to a future franchise.

-Gary Bettman spoke about the situations in Calgary and Arizona.  In regards to Calgary, Bettman claims that he is not getting involved in the political scene there between ownership and city officials.  There has been a lot of bargaining back and forth between both sides, but I feel that a new arena will get done in Calgary.  In regards to Arizona, Bettman did state that the Coyotes are looking at several options for a new arena.  It appears that Bettman is very confident something will get done, so the club does not have to re-locate elsewhere.

-It appears that Gary Bettman is very satisfied with league revenue.  The NHL is certainly recording record numbers.  However, I can only imagine how good revenue could be for the league if the NHL had a better television deal.  Sorry, NBC.

-NHL GMs seem very pleased with the slashing calls going up.  Capitals GM Brian MacLellan spoke of the recent changes with the slashing.  Here is what he had to say, via NBC Sports:

”I think people are a little frustrated when you’re getting those penalties and power plays against, but hopefully it smooths out and everybody adjusts to it,” Washington Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said.  ”I think that’s what everybody is anticipating.

”It’s frustrating going through the process, but hopefully we get to the point where it’s effective and it’s not being done anymore and there are not as many calls.”

-It will be interesting to see if these new rule changes continue to hold up through March, when the GMs meet for 3 days to discuss new rules and make changes to the game.  It appears that the new standard for slashing is here to stay, and it appears that NHL GMs are fine with it.  Now, the players will have to learn to adapt to the new standard.

By: George Foussekis

NHL general managers are meeting at the Windsor in Montreal, site of the League’s founding in November 1917. #NHL100 pic.twitter.com/KjsMP959v4

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) November 17, 2017