Bettman implies he'll remain commissioner through next CBA talks

Gary Bettman has been commissioner of the NHL for a quarter of a century, and he doesn't intend to relinquish those duties in the near future.

"I don't plan on going anywhere. I'm having too much fun, I'm loving the opportunity, (and) there's nothing else I'd rather be doing," Bettman said on Sportsnet 590 The FAN on Thursday, after Sportsnet's Chris Johnston asked whether he plans to remain commissioner through the next round of CBA negotiations.

The NHL's current collective bargaining agreement was a 10-year deal signed in 2013, but the league can opt out on Sept. 1, 2019, and the NHLPA can choose to opt out on Sept. 19, 2019.

As a result, the next round of talks is expected to take place in either 2020 or 2022.

Thursday marked the 25th anniversary of Bettman's appointment to commissioner, and he insisted he hasn't lost his passion for the job.

"It's an honor to do what I do, it's a great challenge, (and) we have great opportunities ahead of us ... so as long as I can give this 100 percent, then I want to keep doing it," he said. "If for whatever reason I don't feel I can give it 100 percent, then I'll stop, but I'm running on all cylinders as long as I can tell."

The 65-year-old executive came to the NHL after serving as a senior vice president and general counsel with the NBA.