NHL isn't a charity, nor should it be. I like their position that they'll dabble in women's hockey only when there are no other options. Them supporting women's hockey (unfortunately) is purely to ensure women remain engaged in hockey and thus, interested in their men's on ice product.
I think the reaction at the NHL All-Star game to the women's involvement is growing and the venture to engage women is likely to be a fruitful one from an NHL perspective. But given how hit & miss the NHL itself can be in some markets, women's hockey has little chance of being a profitable venture itself for the NHL. Sadly there are already economical options available in almost every market for higher quality competitive pro or amateur hockey.
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