NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly on Olympics, Expansion, and Player Safety

International Hockey Engagements

• 💡 The NHL's return to the Olympics for Milan Cortina was a key decision, driven by players' desire to represent their countries and the league's recognition of the global exposure the Olympics provide.
• 🎯 Participation in the Olympics, despite risks like $3.7 billion in contractual obligations for player insurance, was a foundational issue for players in collective bargaining.
• 🚀 The NHL has opened a European office in Zurich to grow the sport internationally, focusing on media rights, sponsorships, and the Global Series.
• 📅 A World Cup of Hockey is planned for 2028, featuring eight teams with preliminary rounds in both Europe and North America, aiming to monetize international content.
• ⚠️ The return of Russian hockey to the international stage is hoped for by the hockey community, but requires substantive geopolitical changes and faces strong resentment from some European countries.

Player Safety and Development

• 📈 The women's game has advanced "light years" since 1998, with the NHL maintaining a close relationship and acting as a resource for the PWHL.
• ✅ Following tragic incidents like Adam Johnson's death, the NHL will implement a mandatory neck guard rule for all new players entering the league starting in the 2026-27 season, prioritizing player health and safety.
• 🌱 The league is addressing cost barriers to hockey through "Learn to Play" programs in NHL and non-NHL markets, aiming to give more children the opportunity to fall in love with the game.

NHL Business and Expansion

• 💰 Franchise values have skyrocketed, especially in the last 5-10 years, driven by the compelling nature of live, unpredictable sports content and the increasing skill level of players.
• 🇺🇸 Expansion into non-traditional markets has significantly contributed to the growth of USA Hockey, with US-born players now making up over 30% of the league, compared to 17% in 1997.
• 🗺️ The NHL is open to further expansion, not fearing dilution of talent, but carefully seeking markets with the right ownership, arenas, and overall interest.
• 🇨🇦 The Canadian dollar's value presents an ongoing challenge for Canadian-based teams, but the league views it as manageable, with players benefiting from USD salaries.

Leadership and Legacy

• 🤝 Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly emphasizes building long-term relationships and mutual respect in collective bargaining, which has allowed him to navigate tough negotiations without alienating parties.
• ✨ The transformational rivalry of Crosby and Ovechkin significantly elevated the NHL, and the league is now seeing a seamless transition to a new wave of elite talent like McDavid and MacKinnon, ensuring future greatness.
• 💼 Daly's passion for his job stems from the variety of issues he tackles daily and the mentorship received from Commissioner Bettman, highlighting a strong working relationship.