Gary Bettman: “You're stuck with me”

For National Hockey League fans who wouldn't be placing commissioner Gary Bettman at the top of their Christmas shopping lists, you're in for some less than ideal news.

While speaking to media members after Day 2 of the NHL's BOG Meetings, Bettman delivered a special message for anyone who was wishing to see him move on to a different gig - it ain't happening. 

"I plan on being here for a long time so you're still stuck with me," he said while discussing his future as commissioner of the sport he's overseen since 1994. 

"I don't know why anybody thought I was going anywhere," he added. 

Bettman also explained that the NHL salary cap is expected to increase $1 million up to $82.5 million. He continued by saying that the COVID-19 pandemic related HRR Debts should be paid off by 2024, meaning the cap could start going up once again. 

And it wouldn't be a Bettman press conference if he didn't deliver a special blow to hockey fans in Canada looking to see the sport expand more into the country that invented the game itself. 

"As we sit here today, we don't have any plans to expand," he said.