Bettman: NHL values Olympic break despite season challenges

Bettman Analyzes the Olympic Impact on the NHL

Sunrise, Florida – NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, while not the biggest proponent of a nearly three-week break in the middle of the season for players to participate in the Milan-Cortina Olympics, recognizes the value of this decision. Bettman made these statements at Tuesday’s season-opening game between the Florida Panthers, who raised their second consecutive Stanley Cup champion banner, and the Chicago Blackhawks. He reiterated his knowledge of the positive impact that the return of NHL players to the Olympic stage can have for the sport.

“I think it’s going to be great. It’s important for our players. That’s why we’re doing it. Listen, there are a lot of reasons why I’m never thrilled about taking a couple of weeks off in the season. It changes a lot of things.”

Gary Bettman

Bettman went on to explain the benefits of this decision. “But, overall, I think it will be worth it, A) for the exposure, B) for the participation of the fans, but C) and most importantly, this is and always has been very important for our players. And that’s why we’re doing it.” The NHL gained a lot of exposure and engagement during last season’s 4 Nations Face-Off event, and the Olympics will obviously be bigger than that tournament. “We came out of the 4 Nations with great success,” Bettman said. “This demonstrates what our players can do representing hockey and what we believe is the best of the best in international competition.”