NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed recent speculation about his retirement, firmly denying that he plans to step down in the near future. Speaking on his 74th birthday at the annual state of the NHL news conference ahead of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Bettman acknowledged the league’s succession planning but emphasized that no immediate changes are forthcoming.
“I am 74, and I do acknowledge the fact that I can’t do this forever,” Bettman said. “There’s nothing happening imminently, and reports of my demise or retirement are greatly exaggerated.” Bettman has held the commissioner position for more than 30 years, overseeing the NHL through multiple expansions, labor disputes, and periods of growth.
The league also reiterated its opposition to a proposed change by the NCAA that would grant athletes five years of eligibility starting from their high school graduation or 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly explained that the NHL, the NHL Players’ Association, three Canadian junior leagues, the United States Hockey League, USA Hockey, and the college coaches association have all expressed concerns about the potential impact on player development paths.
In organizational news, the Nashville Predators announced the hiring of Chris MacFarland as their new president of hockey operations and general manager. MacFarland joins the Predators following four seasons as the general manager of the Colorado Avalanche, a tenure highlighted by the team securing the Presidents’ Trophy for the league’s best regular-season record. However, the Avalanche were swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals this season. Barry Trotz, who previously served as Nashville’s general manager and had indicated plans to retire from the role earlier this season, will continue with the team in an advisory capacity.
Individual player accolades were also highlighted, with Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski capturing the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman. Werenski led defensemen with 81 points, including 22 goals and 59 assists, marking his first time receiving the award. Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar finished second in the voting, followed by Buffalo Sabres’ Rasmus Dahlin and Edmonton Oilers’ Evan Bouchard.
Separately, the Dallas Stars revealed plans to relocate in approximately five years, moving from their current downtown arena to the suburb of Plano once their lease at the American Airlines Center expires. The team has signed a nonbinding letter of intent to develop a new hockey-specific arena and accompanying entertainment district around 20 miles north of their present home, which they share with the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. The current venue has been in use since its opening in 2001.