In the electrifying atmosphere of Las Vegas, deputy commissioner Bill Daly took center stage to address a multitude of pressing issues within the NHL. Hot off the heels of what many are hailing as one of the greatest NHL seasons to date, Daly delved into topics ranging from expansion to long-term injured reserve to the controversial topic of the Olympics.
With fervor and fervency, Daly shed light on the potential for new franchises to join the league’s illustrious ranks. He also provided insights into how the league is tightening its grip on deferred compensation to prevent any underhanded cap circumvention. The room buzzed with anticipation as Daly revealed that the league’s general managers are poised to collaborate with the NHL Players’ Association in order to close the loophole in LTIR regulations.
“I think we have plenty of players who could play in the National Hockey League,” Daly remarked, dismissing concerns of talent dilution as a barrier to expansion. The conversation shifted to the possibility of implementing mandatory neck guards in the NHL, as Daly painted a vivid picture of the league’s future landscape.
In a riveting discussion with The Athletic, Canadian Press, Daily Faceoff, The Hockey News, and The Score, Daly held court on a myriad of topics that have been captivating hockey fans worldwide.
When questioned about the NHL’s stance on expansion, Daly’s response was packed with insight and optimism. “I don’t think it slows down the potential expansion process because I think the process is kind of the same as Alex Meruelo would have had to deal with anyway,” Daly declared with confidence. The tantalizing prospect of new markets entering the fold sparked a spirited debate among attendees.
The issue of deferred salary with players like Jaccob Slavin and Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes also drew Daly’s attention. “Deferred comp is specifically contemplated in the CBA and called for in the CBA that contracts can be structured this way,” Daly explained when pressed on the matter. The intricacies of the cap system were dissected with precision, leaving no stone unturned in Daly’s comprehensive analysis.
As the conversation veered towards the possibility of cap circumvention through deferred compensation, Daly acknowledged the potential pitfalls that could arise. “It can be, sure,” he admitted, hinting at the delicate balancing act that teams must navigate in their financial dealings.
With each word that spilled from Daly’s lips, the hockey world hung on his every syllable. His unwavering commitment to transparency and candor shone through, leaving a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to witness his address at the Encore in Las Vegas. The future of the NHL has never looked brighter, thanks in no small part to the guiding hand of deputy commissioner Bill Daly.
