140: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Talks Talent, Growth, and the NHL’s Future

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman joins John Shannon and Daren Millard on 100% Hockey for a wide-ranging conversation on the league’s present and future. Bettman discusses the depth of talent across the NHL, pointing to the balance between established veterans and a growing wave of young players who continue to raise the level of play league-wide.

He also addresses expansion, noting that the talent pool could support additional teams while making clear there are no immediate plans to move in that direction. The conversation turns to the Olympic Games, where Bettman shares both the league’s support for player participation and his concerns around infrastructure and readiness. Other topics include the NHL’s outdoor game strategy — with events planned in Florida and the possibility of a game at Jerry Jones’ stadium — as well as the league’s approach to sports betting, stressing the importance of oversight and responsible engagement. Bettman closes with his assessment of the NHL’s overall health and where he sees the league heading next.