Gary Bettman sparks fresh controversy misnaming Minnesota Wild star ahead of Stanley Cup NHL Final Game 1 media session

Gary Bettman, the NHL commissioner, was the subject of renewed conversation heading into Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final following a rare mistake during a media availability. The incident unfolded as Bettman was shining a light on some of the league’s biggest stars ahead of the championship series.

The veteran commissioner mistakenly got the names of Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov and former Calgary Flames goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff mixed up. The moment quickly garnered attention among fans, adding another chapter to Bettman’s long history of polarising moments in the National Hockey League.

Gary Bettman draws attention before NHL Stanley Cup Final

When the Stanley Cup Final began, Gary Bettman was a topic of conversation after a clumsy stumble in his media availability.

Before Game 1, Bettman and NHL Players’ Association executive director Marty Walsh announced changes to the 2027 NHL All-Star Game and Skills Competition. Bettman spoke about elite players across the league during prepared remarks, mentioning Connor McDavid, Macklin Celebrini, Nikita Kucherov and Nathan MacKinnon.

But in discussing Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov, the commissioner accidentally said “Kirill Kiprusoff,” seemingly confusing Kaprizov’s surname with that of former Calgary Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff.

That moment was quickly added to the NHL news roundup surrounding the Stanley Cup Final.

Bettman has been commissioner since 1993, overseeing substantial league growth. He presided over the expansion of the NHL from 24 teams to 32 teams, creating new markets and record revenues.

Despite these achievements, the commissioner has been frequently criticised. Fans have long been critical of labour disputes, questionable league decisions and the NHL’s absence from several Olympic Games.

Bettman is also regularly booed at league events, making him one of the most polarising men in professional sports.

The latest mix-up may not impact the Stanley Cup Final itself, but it’s put the spotlight on the commissioner, once again, during one of hockey’s biggest weeks. As Game 1 nears, the surprising moment has become one of the most talked-about NHL updates among fans following the championship series.