PHILADELPHIA —

Gary Bettman isn’t giving false hope to folks in Quebec City who are hoping for the NHL to return.

But the NHL commissioner isn’t slamming the door on those dreams either.

While meeting with reporters prior to Game 3 between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers, Bettman was asked for an update on the possibility of Quebec City as an expansion location and his answer was consistent with what it’s been since the subject was first raised.

“We are, much like the (New York) Islanders’ owner (Charles Wang), we get lots of expressions of interest — whether it’s from Quebec City, Seattle, Las Vegas, or Kansas City — and we’re listening, but we haven’t enacted a formal process to begin considering expansion,” said Bettman. “That’s not something we’re intent on doing right now, but we are listening.”

Bettman’s availability dealt with a variety of issues, including whether or not Stephane Quintal is auditioning to remain the chief NHL disciplinarian, overseeing the department of player safety after Brendan Shanahan became president of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“Among the many terrific things that Brendan did when he was at the league was that he created a department with knowledgeable, caring, hardworking people. He put processes and systems in place,” said Bettman. “I think that when we get to looking to what we want to do long term, (Quintal is) one of the people that will be considered, if he is interested in the job.

“Let’s see how he feels in two months. He is somebody that we will talk to and consider if he is interested. It’s not, as we know, one of the easier jobs, and certainly it doesn’t get criticized much. So depending on how thick your skin is will depend on whether or not you’re interested long term.”

In other league news, Bettman estimates the NHL salary cap will rise to $69 or $70 million for next season.

“We don’t have the data; we don’t have all the reports from the clubs yet,” said Bettman. “It’s premature. That would be a wild guess.”