Gary Bettman addresses fans belief that he hates Canadian teams

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Liam McCormick
June 24, 2024 (1:50 PM)

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Photo credit: Daily Faceoff

Canadian teams have had very little success since Gary Bettman took over as the NHL's commissioner, which has led to fan beliefs that he's against Canadian teams.

Today in an interview, Bettman addressed what he called a fan conspiracy that he dislikes Canadian teams, and that's why they've struggled for years.

They're not true, but there are conspiracy theorists who think that we have something to do with that, and we don't . . . I understand that the passion for the in Canada is off the charts and incredible, but ultimately it's up to the teams to decide what happens on the ice, and I don't think what country they play in has much to do with it.
- Gary Bettman

Obviously the commissioner is correct, and the NHL does not make any attempts to sabotage their Canadian team from winning the Stanley Cup. Still, it's become harder for Canadian teams to sign players willing to play in the spotlight, and some low-tax states give some American teams an advantage.

Just yesterday, a fan confronted Gary Bettman to ask him why he dislikes Canadian teams. The commissioner refused to answer, and security stepped in.

If the Edmonton Oilers are able to make history tonight with a miracle comeback in the Stanley Cup Final, it will be the first Canadian team to win the Stanley Cup since the Montreal Canadiens in 1991, the first year of Bettman's tenure. It's long overdue for a Canadian team to win, and it's bringing plenty of Canadian fans together to cheer for the Oilers - for the comeback and for the country.

Previously on Oilers Daily

Wayne Gretzky makes his prediction for Game 7 of Stanley Cup Final

Panthers player has tense answer to media, showing nerves before Game 7

Toronto Maple Leafs sign goaltender Joseph Woll

POLL
24 JUIN \| 532 ANSWERS Gary Bettman addresses fans belief that he hates Canadian teams Do you think the NHL is biased against Canadian teams, or that Canada faces some disadvantages?
Yes, NHL is biased against Canada	388	72.9 %
No, there isn't a bias against Canada	29	5.5 %
No bias, but they have disadvantages	99	18.6 %
Nothing at all, the NHL is totally fair	16	3 %
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