Often-booed NHL commissioner Gary Bettman might be gaining fans with his “Pollyanna”-type optimism about restarting the 2019-20 season. But at the same time, he could just be playing politics — assuring the public he has considered all avenues of a return while knowing there is little or no chance.
The only sure thing Bettman has in a possible return is the NHL’s strong television contract with NBC and its partners. That’s a deal the American Hockey League doesn’t have and why the NHL’s top development loop canceled what remained of 2019-20 last week.
Without fans, the NHL still has a revenue stream and can build its brand.