NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Announces Changes to 2024-25 Season Schedule In a surprise move, National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman has unveiled significant changes to the 2024-25 season schedule. The revamped calendar aims to improve player health and safety, as well as enhance fan engagement. Bettman's announcement comes after years of criticism regarding the league's grueling 82-game regular season schedule and the resulting toll on player well-being. The new schedule is set to be implemented in the upcoming season, but details on the specific changes remain scarce.