We finally know Gary Bettman's succession plan for the NHL

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has rocked the hockey world today by releasing a bombshell on his 32 Thoughts podcast.

Friedman and co-host Kyle Bukauskas discussed the rampant rumors that the NHL is looking to expand to 34 teams in the next two years and what it means for the future of long-time Commissioner Gary Bettman. In particular, Friedman reports that he believes expansion to Houston or Austin, Texas and to Atlanta, Georgia is playing a major part in Bettman's succession plans. Friedman reports that Bettman's plan is inject billions of revenue into the league through expansion fees and to negotiate a new American television deal with ESPN and TNT. These two things in concert will usher in a new economic era for the league and will enable Bettman to "walk off into the sunset" and finally hand off his position to Bill Daly.

From Friedman on 32 Thoughts today:

"Houston, Atlanta, new TV deal and then after that happens, if he pulls it off, the Commissioner rides partly into the sunset. He either becomes Vice Chair of the Board of Governors or a Senior Advisor to the NHL or whatever title he wants to give himself and Bill Daly takes over as Commissioner."

"I think this is Bettman's plan: New TV deal, expansion... sayonara. I think that is Bettman's vision."

Friedman was open in saying though that this won't be a quick process. He expects Bettman to remain in his role for approximately two more years and, should he be able to accomplish all he has set out to do, he'll retire at 77 years old.