Commissioner Gary Bettman confident of Columbus Blue Jackets turnaround -NHL Update
Columbus Blue Jackets might be suffering due to the teams disappointing performance these past few National Hockey League (NHL) regular seasons, but league commissioner, Gary Bettman, is confident that the team will turnaround and the city will be a thriving
NHL market once again.
Despite Columbus’ numerous attempts to grab some big name players from around the league, including a blockbuster trade with Philadelphia Flyers for top notch forward, Jeff Carter, and hiring new management staff like Scott Arniel, who fired recently, the
Blue Jackets remain at the lowest point.
Gary Bettman was speaking with media before Columbus Blue Jackets’ home game against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night, February 9, 2012.
"I'm aware of the fact that there's a little bit of frustration by some fans in the on-ice performance," Bettman said. "I can assure you, because I know it firsthand, there is nobody more frustrated than ownership and management. And nobody more committed
to getting it right on the ice than ownership and management. I have no doubt about the future of this franchise because it's in extremely strong, committed hands."
One of the reporters asked Bettman whether the NHL would be hosting the Winter Classic event one day, to which he replied by saying that in the future it is certainly a possibility, but that is why they have announced Columbus to host the 2013 NHL All-Star
Game.
Columbus had also hosted the NHL Entry Draft back in 2007 and Bettman believes if that these types of events continue to take place in the city, it will soon become a flourishing NHL market once again.
"We just did the All-Star Game," Bettman said with a laugh. "You want more right now?"
Another question asked was whether Columbus would be part of any conference realignment programs the league might have, but Bettman declined to comment on the issue saying that it was too early to talk about anything of that nature.
Currently, Columbus sits at number 15 in the Western Conference and lowest in the league with 36 points.
In order to get back in action, drastic measures must be taken to ensure that the Blue Jackets will be staying in Columbus.
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