Restructure the NHL?

[SenualTouch]

I think they should let Bettman walk and hire Wayne Gretzky as his replacement.

 

[maurice93]

Where is Gretzky's business or legal knowledge? Gretzky is not the sharpest cat, despite his wizardry and IQ on the ice.

Bettman overall has done a good job. That being said, it could be time for a fresher perspective.

If I had to choose a player (although i would not do that), the one player who has shown the best view and feel for the good of the game was Brendan Shanahan.

 

[SenualTouch]

Gretzky as commish

While I agree that he might not have the technical background for the job, that's why there is the Deputy Commish. The NHL needs a recognizable face who people love to lead the ship, and who better than hockey's #1 ambassador. All he would have to do is get a sharp lawyer (like Daly) to do all of the dirty work as Deputy Commish.

 

[maurice93]

Gretzky has excellent credentials as the face of the Phoenix franchise. They have actually become more financially inept since he has arrived.

 

[Brill]

Even if he or his wife didn't gamble, Gretzky was questioned when Tocchet got nailed. The NHL doesn't need any hint of that.

 

[JohnLarue]

While I agree that he might not have the technical background for the job, that's why there is the Deputy Commish. The NHL needs a recognizable face who people love to lead the ship, and who better than hockey's #1 ambassador. All he would have to do is get a sharp lawyer (like Daly) to do all of the dirty work as Deputy Commish.

A recognizable face is not going to solve the NHLs problems
The top man needs to have a vision for what the NHL should be 10, 20 years down the road.
He also needs to be an exceptional communicator to deal with
a) the owners
b) the players union
c) sponsors
d) the media
e) the fans
f) lawyers
He also has to have a firm understanding of the economics & finances of the game, as well as dealing with the real power within the league (The Maple Leafs, The Rangers & The Flyers
Finally he must also be a Marketing Guru who can sell a refrigerator to an Eskimo.

Wayne Gretzky was a wizard on skates and has other talents but he is not the right guy for this job.

Not even close

 

[maurice93]

A recognizable face is not going to solve the NHLs problems
The top man needs to have a vision for what the NHL should be 10, 20 years down the road.
He also needs to be an exceptional communicator to deal with
a) the owners
b) the players union
c) sponsors
d) the media
e) the fans
f) lawyers
He also has to have a firm understanding of the economics & finances of the game, as well as dealing with the real power within the league (The Maple Leafs, The Rangers & The Flyers
Finally he must also be a Marketing Guru who can sell a refrigerator to an Eskimo.

Wayne Gretzky was a wizard on skates and has other talents but he is not the right guy for this job.

Not even close

But, but, but...... Gretzky led Canada to the gold medal.