NHL: Seattle will host all-star game, draft, Bettman says

SEATTLE— On his first trip to Seattle since the city was granted the NHL’s 32nd franchise, commissioner Gary Bettman announced a couple more rewards for the future franchise’s investment.

Bettman said the league has promised Seattle it will host all-star weekend within its first seven seasons, with the team slated to begin play in 2021-22. Bettman also says Seattle will host the NHL draft, and that event will probably be awarded before the all-star game arrives.

“It doesn’t mean we are going to wait seven years,” Bettman said.

“We’re going to be bringing league events here. This is where we want to be.”

Bettman’s unexpected and informal announcement was part of his first visit to Seattle since the franchise was approved by the league’s board of governors in early December.

Bettman met with members of the ownership group, political leaders in the city, fans who have placed deposits on season tickets and reviewed the status of the massive renovation of the arena at Seattle Center where the team will play.

Seattle’s ownership group has put up more than $1.5 billion (U.S.) in expansion fees, upgrades to the building formerly known as KeyArena, and a state-of-the-art practice facility that is expected to open in time to host the first training camp.

The franchise initially hoped to open for the 2020 season, but it is using the additional year to ensure the arena is operational well ahead of the team’s home opener. It also gives the team more time to put together its hockey staff.

The team still doesn’t have a name or colour scheme.