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NHL Shelves Expansion Talk as Bettman Flags Milan Olympic Rink, Pushes Global Growth

The league is prioritizing overseas growth, with Olympic participation returning as Milan’s rink readiness faces scrutiny.

Oct 20, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; The NHL logo is seen on the netting of a goal prior to the game between the Nashville Predators and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Gary Bettman, Commissioner of the NHL, attends the Allen and Company Sun Valley Media and Technology Conference at The Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho, U.S., July 11, 2025. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
Oct 8, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Commissioner of the NHL Gary Bettman speaks to the media before a game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Commissioner Gary Bettman said expansion did not come up at the Board of Governors meeting, with market interest not yet at a stage requiring league focus.
  • He emphasized international growth as the current priority, including more games abroad and a new broadcast partnership with Australia’s Nine.
  • The Global Series continues next month with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators scheduled for two games in Stockholm.
  • NHL players are set to return to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, while the league remains concerned about Milan’s arena after a December test event was removed.
  • Bettman rejected rumors of a higher-than-agreed salary cap for next season, offered no update on a potential Pittsburgh Penguins sale, and indicated he plans to remain in his role.