[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Gary is a figurehead for people behind the scenes that pay him handsomely. He couldn't by himself change hockey culture even if he wanted to.

Originally Posted by Red Slinger

Yeah, this can't be overstated. The modern-day sports league Commissioner is ultimately just a mouth-piece for the team owners in the league. Changing the Commissioner might change how the message is delivered but the message will remain the same: make as much money as possible. As long as the Commissioner is maximizing profits and not personally embarrassing the league there will be no impetus to change.

Saying that Bettman is just a figurehead is incorrect and is essentially absolving Bettman of the Leagues actions.

From Wikipedia:

According to the NHL Constitution, Article VI, section 6.1:
"6.1 Office of Commissioner, Election and Term of Office The League shall employ a Commissioner selected by the Board of Governors. The Commissioner shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the League and is charged with protecting the integrity of the game of professional hockey and preserving public confidence in the League.

In Section 6.3, the commissioner's duties are spelled out as having "responsibility for the general supervision and direction of all business and affairs of the league", co-ordinates matters between member clubs and serves as the principal public spokesman for the league. The commissioner also has authority over dispute resolution, league committees, interpretation of league rules, appointment of league staff, NHL financial matters, contracting authority, scheduling, officials and disciplinary powers.

Bettman has the power and authority to lead the NHL in any direction that he chooses. He can't necessarily do it all by himself but at the end of the day he is responsible for what happens in the League under his overarching direction. It is my view that Bettman has taken the League in a good business direction by increasing value and revenue and the overall level of play but he has no interest in dealing with issues that have been swept under the rug for a long time including mental health, abuse, player safety and a whole host of related player issues. Those are things that not as tangible and do not increase the bottom line for the NHL and as such Bettman has not led the League towards focusing on those.