At 72, Gary Bettman is in no rush to step into retirement. But the NHL has started taking steps to creating a suitable succession plan for when that day comes.

The NHL is starting to think about life without Gary Bettman. Though Bettman's retirement isn't imminent, Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold told The Athletic's Michael Russo and Chris Johnston that the Board of Governors' executive committee has formally begun the process of finding a replacement for the longtime NHL commissioner.

Gary Bettman's future as NHL Commissioner is a major storyline in our Daily, as is how the New York Rangers are making playoff contenders look like pretenders in recent run.

Leon Draisaitl believes the suspension is too much, but a report indicates Connor McDavid won't ask Gary Bettman to step in and review the case.