Fans Stunned after Gary Bettman Wins Major Accolade
Whatever fans think, and it seems a very vocal segment of them can't stand him, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman continues to be recognized as one of the best in professional sports. Sports Business Journal has given the 70-year-old their Lifetime Achievement Award. As you can likely imagine, reaction from fans is almost entirely negative.
The Recognition
SBJ said Bettman has used his talent to turn the NHL into a business powerhouse.
Gary Bettman is the longest-serving commissioner in sports history, serving 30 years with the @NHL🥂
In this week's #SBJ, @Bill_KingSBJ profiles this year's Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Gary Bettman: https://t.co/5g7ahySwlx pic.twitter.com/JSZH55YTuS— Sports Business Journal (@SBJ) May 16, 2023
The Reaction
Several fans responding to the announcement pointed to Bettman's preference for profit over everything else, including traditional aspects of the game.
Money over integrity award. Bettman has ripped the heart out of our game for profit.— ian patterson (@ipatt91) May 16, 2023
Just shows, not very well received and terrible at your job. But if you're making the old guard money-your safe. Says allot about the NHL owners.— Jack Hammer (@CrownedHead81) May 16, 2023
He's garbage
My two biggest issues with him:
No care for player safety
NHL has horrendous scheduling— EVIL CALE MAKAR (@DangerJonez21) May 16, 2023
Ripped the 1st rd draft pick away from the Ducks with behind-the-door shenanigans twice. Won't let go of his failing pet project in Arizona. Or let Quebec City get back in the league.— Kevin (@oriolesfan833) May 16, 2023
If anyone thinks the NHL might be looking to make a change, Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs, who pre-dates Bettman in the NHL, made it clear in the article that he has a lot of support, and it's because he prioritized profits.
| POLL | ||
MAI 16 | 351 ANSWERS Fans Stunned after Gary Bettman Wins Major Accolade Will Gary Bettman retire at 75? | ||
| He'll never go away | 240 | 68.4 % |
| Yes, he'll live it up | 59 | 16.8 % |
| I'm not sure | 52 | 14.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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LIVE
APRIL 29, 2026
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| G | A | PTS | ||
| Brendan Gallagher | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Alex Newhook | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Noel Acciari | - | - | - | |
| Josh Anderson | - | - | - | |
| Denver Barkey | - | - | - | |
| Oliver Bjorkstrand | - | - | - | |
| Zachary Bolduc | - | - | - | |
| Alex Bump | - | - | - | |
| Alexandre Carrier | - | - | - | |
| Noah Cates | - | - | - | |
| Cole Caufield | - | - | - | |
| Erik Cernak | - | - | - | |
| Yegor Chinakhov | - | - | - | |
| Anthony Cirelli | - | - | - | |
| Sean Couturier | - | - | - | |
| Sidney Crosby | - | - | - | |
| Max Crozier | - | - | - | |
| Kirby Dach | - | - | - | |
| Phillip Danault | - | - | - | |
| Ivan Demidov | - | - | - | |
| COMPLETE STATS | ||||
| 2025-2026 NHL STANDINGS | ||||||
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Sabres | 82 | 50 | 23 | 9 | 109 | |
| Lightning | 82 | 50 | 26 | 6 | 106 | |
| Canadiens | 82 | 48 | 24 | 10 | 106 | |
| Bruins | 82 | 45 | 27 | 10 | 100 | |
| Senators | 82 | 44 | 27 | 11 | 99 | |
| Red Wings | 82 | 41 | 31 | 10 | 92 | |
| Panthers | 82 | 40 | 38 | 4 | 84 | |
| Maple Leafs | 82 | 32 | 36 | 14 | 78 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Hurricanes | 82 | 53 | 22 | 7 | 113 | |
| Penguins | 82 | 41 | 25 | 16 | 98 | |
| Flyers | 82 | 43 | 27 | 12 | 98 | |
| Capitals | 82 | 43 | 30 | 9 | 95 | |
| Blue Jackets | 82 | 40 | 30 | 12 | 92 | |
| Islanders | 82 | 43 | 34 | 5 | 91 | |
| Devils | 82 | 42 | 37 | 3 | 87 | |
| Rangers | 82 | 34 | 39 | 9 | 77 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Avalanche | 82 | 55 | 16 | 11 | 121 | |
| Stars | 82 | 50 | 20 | 12 | 112 | |
| Wild | 82 | 46 | 24 | 12 | 104 | |
| Mammoth | 82 | 43 | 33 | 6 | 92 | |
| Blues | 82 | 37 | 33 | 12 | 86 | |
| Predators | 82 | 38 | 34 | 10 | 86 | |
| Jets | 82 | 35 | 35 | 12 | 82 | |
| Blackhawks | 82 | 29 | 39 | 14 | 72 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Golden Knights | 82 | 39 | 26 | 17 | 95 | |
| Oilers | 82 | 41 | 30 | 11 | 93 | |
| Ducks | 82 | 43 | 33 | 6 | 92 | |
| Kings | 82 | 35 | 27 | 20 | 90 | |
| Sharks | 82 | 39 | 35 | 8 | 86 | |
| Kraken | 82 | 34 | 37 | 11 | 79 | |
| Flames | 82 | 34 | 39 | 9 | 77 | |
| Canucks | 82 | 25 | 49 | 8 | 58 | |
COMPLETE STANDINGS | ||||||