Bettman said he expects to soon receive a formal application from the Seattle-based Oak View Group, which is led by former Kings executive Tim Leiweke. Bettman wouldn't provide a timeline for the prospective team's debut but said he expects future applicants to seek the same favorable expansion rules the Vegas Golden Knights got last June. The Golden Knights lead the Western Conference with 68 points and trail league-leading Tampa Bay by three points.
On other topics, Bettman said on-ice officials will get a memo to guide them on reviews of goaltender interference.
Continuing the NHL's international push, the Edmonton Oilers and New Jersey Devils will open next season in Stockholm, Sweden, and the Winnipeg Jets and Florida Panthers will play two games in Finland in November.