Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Gary Bettman Today

09/19/2020 at 5:11pm EDT

via Pierre LeBrun tweets,

Gary Bettman, at his traditional Cup final media conference, says he wouldn't be surprised if next season's Dec. 1 start ``slips'' into later December, maybe into January. But no definitive decisions and/or plans yet.

Bettman reiterates what Daly told me and @OvertimeScottB last week: that the NHL still intends to try and play 82 games next season whenever they start...

Some rare Bettman speculation: it's ``conceivable'' that next season starts without fans in the building but then transitions to some fans in the rinks as the season goes on... he stressed that was speculation.

Bettman says emphatically that Seattle's entry into the league will NOT be delayed under any circumstance. They will begin play in 2021-22.

added 5:31pm, Chris Johnston at the same media conference, via tweets...

added 8:27pm, watch the full media conference below...

Gary Bettman says the NHL has administered more than 30,000 COVID-19 tests with teams inside the bubble, and still hasn't had a positive result.

Gary Bettman says that winning the #StanleyCup under these conditions "might just be the most remarkable achievement in the history of our league."

Gary Bettman won't comment on the speculation about a potential all-Canadian division in 2020-21.

Gary Bettman: "Our franchises will get through this and come out stronger on the other side."

Gary Bettman: "I've never been a fan of expanding the playoffs. ... It will take a fair amount of convincing, to me at least, that we need to be making a change."

Gary Bettman mentions the possibility that 2020-21 season is played in phases: Starting with no fans, progressing to socially distanced seating and eventually including fully open buildings.

I've heard this previously from teams. Just one option. Still many unknowns.

Gary Bettman says the moment he presents the #StanleyCup will be the first time he's breathed a sigh of relief since March 12. Adds: "And maybe I'll get a full night's sleep."

Create an Account

In order to leave a comment, please create an account.

About Kukla's Korner Hockey

Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

Email Paul anytime at [email protected]

Most Recent Posts

Most Recent Comments

Comment by damndogrevenge in Kukla's Korner Hockey from the entry Open Post- Nashville And Vegas Hope To Avoid Elimination Tonight - 25 minutes ago
Comment by TreKronor in Kukla's Korner Hockey from the entry A Fitting Game 7 Ahead For Vegas And Dallas - 1 hour ago
Comment by Paul in Abel to Yzerman from the entry Video- Grand Rapids Griffins Win 4-3 In OT - 6 hours ago
Comment by Paul in Kukla's Korner Hockey from the entry Open Post- Nashville And Vegas Hope To Avoid Elimination Tonight - 10 hours ago
Comment by Paul in Kukla's Korner Hockey from the entry Open Post- Nashville And Vegas Hope To Avoid Elimination Tonight - 10 hours ago