"NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to Address League-Wide Issues in Annual State of the League Address" National Hockey League (NHL) Commissioner Gary Bettman is set to deliver his annual State of the League address, providing a glimpse into the current state of the sport and addressing key issues affecting the league. Expected to be a major focus of the address is the ongoing debate over player safety, as the NHL continues to grapple with the impact of concussions and other head injuries on player well-being. Additionally, Bettman is likely to discuss the league's growing popularity, including the success of the NHL's international games and the expansion of its media presence. With the NHL's collective bargaining agreement set to expire in 2026, Bettman may also touch on the league's plans for future labor negotiations.