Commissioner Bettman talks GM Meeting

Bettman talks economy, fighting as meetings end Bettman: “I was very pleased with the level of discussion and analysis that went on by the group.” NAPLES, Fla. – Two issues dominated discussion between NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and the media as the NHL GM Meetings ended here at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort: The state of the NHL economy and the issue of fighting. Fighting, particularly ways to change the culture of fisticuffs in today’s game, dominated the first two days of the three-day session. Wednesday, it was more about the economic outlook for a league — like all businesses — that is being buffeted by the intense storm raging across the global economy. For Bettman, education is a key to survival in troubling times. He asked NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly to make a presentation to the 30 general managers on where the salary cap stands today and where it might be for the 2009-10 season. “There was no message, in particular, given; other than Bill D...