Bettman says NHL would not take an application from Seattle

That is something that will be done over the next few months, and that recommendation can be no expansion, one team or two teams.

The NHL Commissioner said that an executive committee will eventually suggest whether the league should add two teams, one or none, the Times reported.

Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed many topics Saturday night at his state of the League address, including a rough timeline of when an expansion could take place.

During his term, Bettman presided over large revenue growth and expansion and underwent three labor-related stoppages in 1994-95, 2004-05 and 2012-13.

“Don has brought stability and strength to the union, and that’s a good thing”, Bettman said.

Las Vegas and Quebec City have submitted expansion applications, but a decision whether to grant both, either or neither city an National Hockey League franchise does not appear to be imminent. “We’re not ready to make a decision”.

Bettman also said the National Hockey League will announce plans for “an extensive centennial celebration” in 2017, which is also the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup, the 100th anniversary of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Canada’s 150th birthday.

“I’ve always said the earliest we would expand is ’17-18 and whatever we do the clubs need at least a full year”, Bettman said. The slow-footed enforcer said that happened in his essay for the Players’ Tribune, and Bettman wouldn’t refute it. Las Vegas has never had a major pro sports team.

Bettman acknowledged he doesn’t know whether the weakening Canadian dollar will be a factor in Quebec City’s bid.

“I don’t boil those things down, or think that way”, Bettman said.

“We’re not running a 60-minute game where the clock is going to run out”, he said. It should come as no surprise that the current Collective Bargaining Agreement between the players and owners runs through September 15, 2022 – and either side can opt out of it in September 2019.

The news comes at a time when the league is under public scruinity for the handling of the NHL All-Star fan voting and trying to remove John Scott, who was named Pacific Division team captain, from the game.

“To see it today, it’s overwhelming and we’re so proud to be a part of every inch of this building right now”, Laviolette said.