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If the NHL opts to expand by one or two teams, there’s also the matter of splitting revenue 31 or 32 ways, something Bettman and Daly brought up last month. Their point that was even though each new team could bring expansion fees of US$500 million or higher, owners must consider the long-term implications against the one-time cash windfall.

One thing that’s clear is the league is in no rush to make the decision.

“This is an important business decision, and it doesn’t get governed by PR or politics or various pressures,” Bettman said. “You’ve got to make a decision for the right reasons.”

Expansion is one of many topics on the docket for this board of governors meeting, which will also include a updates on business and player safety, the departure of chief operating officer John Collins, an early projection of the 2016-17 salary cap and the controversial executive compensation policy.

Under the current system, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2015, a team must surrender a second- or third-round pick if it hires a coach or executive from another team, depending on whether it’s in or out of season.

The policy as written forces compensation even for those relieved of their duties, like the Columbus Blue Jackets forfeiting a second-round pick to the Vancouver Canucks for hiring John Tortorella, despite the coach getting fired after the 2013-14 season.

“That wasn’t the intent of the deal at all,” Buffalo Sabres GM Tim Murray said Friday in Orchard Park, N.Y. “It had gotten away from us.”

At their last meeting, GMs talked about modifying or scrapping the compensation policy, which Bettman staunchly opposed from the start. The board can make that decision, and any chances would likely go into effect Jan. 1.

“It has to be modified,” said Murray, who voted against the policy originally. “I’m not sure it’ll go away completely, but if it doesn’t go away completely it’s going to be tweaked or it’s going to be just like a fourth-round pick for a guy that is not just under contract but working for a team.”