Unhappy Anniversery: 15 years of Bettman

[Hordie Gowe 17]

Even with the growth in Texas the retirement of Bill Parcells was still a 10 times bigger story than the all star game. I think the owner of the Stars said something to that effect also. The pecking order is clear, the NHL needs to hold onto what they got. Even in Detroit the Lions are #1 with the fans (even though they have been pathetic for years), with the Tigers close behind(due to their recent success), Michigan football(whom I detest with every fiber in my body), Pistons, and finally the Wings. In the alleged "Hockeytown" (which is nothing but a marketing campaign) they are 4th billing, they no longer move up when the playoffs start and the bandwagoners come out, those fans all flock to the Pistons. Even in Detroit the NHL is lagging, if it is this bad for the top team, what happens to the bottom feeders?

[ktang 34]

Buccigross has an interesting article:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/stor...&id=2754999

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

For those hoping bettman is not re-upped, bad news, he already was.

He will be commishionner until the 2012 season

http://www.tsn.ca/tsn_talent/columnists/bob_mckenzie/

It has become fashionable lately to speculate on the future of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman because, as it has been reported over and over again, his contract expires at the end of next season.

Based on that supposed window of opportunity, Bettman's critics are putting together short lists of replacement candidates.

Well, there is nothing wrong with critical analysis of the job Bettman has done because the game is facing serious issues south of the border, although it's probably never been stronger in Canada. But for those who would assail Bettman and suggest the timing is right for a change, well, they should double check their facts.

Bettman's contract does not expire at the end of next season. Or the one after that.

In fact, an NHL owner tells TSN that Bettman has another five full years left on his deal after this season.

The owners are apparently happy enough with his work that last fall they extended his deal to one year beyond the expiry of the current cba. that will take him through to the summer of 2012.

So it doesn't look as though Bettman will be leaving office any time soon.