Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks during the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Hockey fans are up in arms after Jeff Marek revealed the potential replacement for Gary Bettman upon retirement, and it’s someone fans are less than keen to see.

It’s safe to say that the fanbase of the NHL is less than thrilled with how Gary Bettman has run things since becoming NHL Commissioner. He’s done some pretty great things to evolve and grow the league, but often draws the ire of the fans for his nonchalant attitude and potential bias towards certain teams.

There seems to be no sign of him slowing down, and it’s a likely possibility that Bettman is going to stick around for the next few years at least.

What the Report Reveals About Bettman’s Possible Replacement<

But he eventually needs a replacement, and there are certainly several potential members of the league who could qualify, but NHL Insider Jeff Marek has a good idea as to who it might be.

Appearing on the DLLS Stars Podcast recently, Marek commented on who he thinks is going to usurp Bettman and it’s someone fans are very familiar with; for better or for worse:
I do expect it to be Bill Daly.

Well, that’s certainly something that fans don’t wanna hear, as essentially it means that Bettman’s influence is going to continue on years after his departure and a new voice or the league is gonna have to wait.

Daly has been with the NHL since 1996, and besides being the Deputy Commissioner, also holds the role of Chief Legal Officer, as well a former NHL Vice-President and is a Hockey Hall of Fame board member while also overseeing all of the NHL’s international scenarios.

Originally an attorney, Daly holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Dartmouth College, and a Law degree from New York University School of Law.
How Fans Are Reacting to the Commissioner Speculation

While he certainly holds the credentials to run the league, the fact he’s been the sidekick for Bettman often gives him a rough rap amongst fans, and suffice to say they aren’t too happy.

With Bettman’s future not really in any type of doubt as of yet, we don’t really need to concern ourselves with who is coming next, we’ll get to that bridge when we get there.

But if it does indeed end up being Bill Daly at the end of it all, don’t expect fans to give him any grace period, knowing that it’s just going to feel like Bettman all over again.