Commissioner: No relocation plans for struggling NHL teams, 'nothing imminent happening'

BOCA RATON, Fla. - NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is playing down the possibility of relocating struggling franchises in Arizona and Florida.

One day after putting the brakes on the prospect of expansion, Bettman reaffirmed Panthers owner Vinny Viola's commitment to South Florida. There had been reports that Panthers ownership was trying to position the franchise for a move either to Quebec City or Las Vegas, two locales actively pursuing a hockey team.

Bettman says Tuesday that "there's nothing imminent that's happening." Deputy commissioner Bill Daly dismissed the idea altogether, saying Arizona and Florida are not moving.