NHL commissioner Bettman dismisses report that league will expand by four teams

BOUCHERVILLE, Que. - Commissioner Gary Bettman said Wednesday a report the NHL will expand by four teams was a "complete fabrication," and the league isn't looking to add any new franchises.

"The part of the story I found particularly difficult was suggestion we would sell four franchises for $1.4 billion is way too low," Bettman said. "It undervalues our franchises."

Sports Business News reported via Twitter last week the NHL will expand into Las Vegas, Seattle, and Quebec City while adding a second franchise in Toronto by 2017.

Bettman said there's plenty of interest from people wanting NHL expansion teams but added the league hasn't researched the issue.

Bettman and former prime minister Brian Mulroney helped launch TVA's arrival as the main French hockey broadcasters beginning this season. TVA is a privately owned French language television network based in Montreal.

Mulroney is the chairman of Quebecor, the media company that owns TVA and hopes to land an NHL team in Quebec City.