Gary Bettman's European Vacation

"It's nothing we're planning on, but by the same token I'll never say never," Bettman said.

"There are many, many, many things that we have to do and have to happen before we can consider it. And there are logistical issues.

"There are arena issues, there are travel issues, and also there is the existing infrastructure of hockey particularly in Europe and we need to be respectful of all of those considerations."

Sounds like the Gary Bettman I did not think about at all over the summer. I mean there were a few thoughts here and there about the over the glass rule, if the fall would bring some new crazy net or maybe even a no goalie rule but the thought of expanding to Europe trumps all in this case.

What shocks me the most is that a commissioner would even bring up the thought of starting a new Euro-Division up despite still having ailing US market issues. And while my blood runs true Red and White, Canada is the one place that the league should really be considering expansion if any.

But the core issue in business is that you need to sustain before growth and quite honestly, the market in the US needs help and is the real reason that this league just cannot and will not rise above a lower tier professional sport. One can argue that fewer teams would increase overall quality and possibly pull in fan base. Or situating more teams in cities that are hockey centric like a Winnipeg, Halifax or even give Toronto a second team, I am sure they could support it.

But when the Detroits, New Jerseys and other great teams have problems filling the seats, the focus should be within, and not growing into other markets. You open a new coffee shop when one is too busy to take new customers, but not when it is empty and having trouble giving away muffins.

And when you really think about it, how would Europe work? Tune in a 4am this morning for the NY Rangers as they stop into town after a seven hour flight to face the Paris Puckers. People fail to tune in at a normal hour, who the hell is going to watch a game after midnight or when they are at work.

Now if the NHL wants to create a European Development League, I would be fine with that as some youth could train and grow in the off season giving them a quick path to the NHL. But give you head a shake Gary Bettman. You can cart yourself around and promote the game all you want but start on the soil that the game is played and that is in North America. Give out Banjo's in Nashville, Seat Cushions in NJ and toolkits in Detroit because these are the places that matter and go on your European Vacation on your own dime.

Puck Off NHL...focus on the the problems at home and next time, maybe think ahead and use two eastern teams to play in England, not two of the furthest teams away. Or are you collecting air miles on the charter flights?

See you next time and click on the link above for audio commentary on this BLOG!