Utah, “a perfect match” for Bettman

(SALT LAKE CITY) For the third time since the dedication of the Videotron Center, the National League preferred an American market to a return to Quebec. And for Gary Bettman, it’s because the stars aligned for Utah.

After Vegas and Seattle, Salt Lake City is actually the third market to host the NHL since the completion of the Videotron Center in 2015. In baseball, a batter is removed after three strikes. Does this mean the Quebec representatives working to bring the NHL back to the city have to move on?

“Not at all,” replied Bettman, in a brief meeting with Press after his press conference. When a significant case for expansion presents itself, it is considered. Here it was a unique situation.

“In addition to what you heard during the press briefing (we’ll get back to that), it works geographically. The schedule for next season is 85% complete. By moving the team to Utah, there is no need to reorganize the divisions. It was also a perfect match for the TV markets. »

The red carpet

Bettman had a somewhat furnished Friday. In the morning he was in the Phoenix area to bury the Coyotes, but not Arizona hockey, let’s be clear. Three hours later, he arrived in Utah’s capital to attend a press briefing that lasted more than an hour, along with Ryan and Ashley Smith, the new owners of the team that will end up here this fall.

A press briefing where the commissioner was quite relaxed. He is a skilled orator, even in front of hostile crowds, but this time he was welcomed with applause, in front of an audience of local elected officials.

“Becoming a hockey fan, you’ll quickly learn that I don’t usually get this kind of welcome!” joked the Commissioner. NHL in Utah sounds really good. I am very happy to welcome Utah to the NHL. »

By his side, Ryan and Ashley Smith, a wealthy couple from the region, also owners of the Utah Jazz in the NBA. At 45, Ryan Smith will significantly rejuvenate the NHL ownership group. The billionaire, founder of the Qualtrics company, is good at social interactions. He arrived at the press point relaxed, gray windbreaker on his back. In the minutes before the conference, he greeted a few journalists, local and from outside.

Ashley Smith, his wife, thanked Bettman several times before explaining the origins of their interest in an NHL club.

“It started with a conversation at the table, at dinner, as was the case for Jazz,” she explained. So my commitment is that from now on we will no longer have such conversations at dinner! »

Obviously, we don’t all have the same conversations at dinner.

Energetic steps

What we understand is that Ryan Smith was energetic in his efforts. “It was Ryan who knocked on my door two years ago to have an expansion team in Utah,” Bettman said.

The new owner said the adventure began with a dinner with Bettman in New York. “We hoped no one would recognize us,” he agreed. I was surprised at how open Gary was. He didn’t know me, we just had mutual friends. But he changed his plans that day because I was in town. He gave me his number and said we would stay in touch. »

Smith wasn’t the only one. The state’s governor, Spencer J. Cox, said he had also been in communication with the NHL commissioner “since late January.”

And it was precisely at this moment that the actions of Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) became public. On January 24, SEG released a letter loudly proclaiming the desire for an NHL team.

Public and loud campaigns rarely make professional leagues, but it seems that in this case SEG hit the mark with their efforts.

“That convinced us of your seriousness. We had several discussions, but by making your approach public, it was a subtle way of putting pressure on us! Bettman joked to Ashley and Ryan Smith.

His confidence was all the more evident as his visit to Salt Lake City was his first since the process began. Other NHL executives were there, but we were told.

Advice for the future

There are currently no expansion plans underway. The NHL has also, she hopes, stabilized the shock among its 32 franchisees.

But things can change quickly. The Senators have to build a new amphitheater sooner or later. The Winnipeg Jets finished second last in the NHL this season, with 13,490 fans per game; if they don’t rectify the situation next year, the Coyotes will no longer be there to steal the 32^e rank.

In short, either for a move or for an expansion if the circuit wants to grow its ranks, there will be other options for markets looking for professional sports. The Commissioner’s advice to future investors?

“Be imaginative, daring, committed. Have the resources at hand and don’t beat around the bush. And we want to build a relationship, we want to try to imagine the impossible. »

On this subject, Quebec clearly does not lack audacity and imagination, having assigned a minister specifically to the question of the return of hockey to the great capital. Éric Girard, the finance minister, met with Bettman again two weeks ago.

“I will meet the elected representatives of Quebec whenever they want. But the Quebec government will not be the owner of the franchise,” Bettman reminded Press. During this meeting, Minister Girard explained that he had asked the commissioner for his support in the event that Quebec proposed to the Montreal Canadiens to play a season game at the Videotron Center. “Everything is evaluated on a case-by-case basis,” Bettman replied.