Commissioner Gary Bettman Named Most Important Person In NHL; NHLPA's Fehr Third

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman tops USA Today's list of the 50 most important people in the NHL, as he is the "dean of commissioners in the four major pro sports," according to Kevin Allen of USA TODAY. While fans "boo him because he is associated with lockouts and a lost season, he has the full support of owners after shepherding in financial stability and growth, competitive balance, a salary cap, a network television package, innovations such as the Winter Classic, the environmental friendly 'NHL Green' initiative and centralized video review." NHLPA Exec Dir Don Fehr ranks third on the list, just behind Penguins C Sidney Crosby. Fehr has proved to be a "noteworthy peacetime general in the hockey world." He was able to reach a World Cup deal with the NHL that was "profitable for the league and the players." He also "negotiated a 'bye week' for players to be introduced this season in exchange for players' cooperation in altering the NHL All-Star format" ( USA TODAY, 10/11 ).