Put Gary Bettman down as a supporter of a downtown arena for the Senators.

After arriving in Ottawa late Sunday afternoon for Game 6 of the club's playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens, the NHL commissioner got caught in traffic trying to get to the Canadian Tire Centre but that's only part of the reason he'd like to see owner Eugene Melnyk get a new rink at Lebreton Flats.

"I know that Eugene has focused very much on the future and the stability of this club in Ottawa," said Bettman. "I know that he feels it would be great for the community and great for the franchise to have a new building and have it downtown so we're watching closely.

"The plans, if they come to fruition, and we hope they do, are an exciting opportunity for the team and for greater Ottawa."

Bettman, who was a few minutes late for his informal gathering with the media, said he hasn't spoken to NCC officials regarding the bid.

"I know the plans are in the preliminary stages but from what I've seen and as I've indicated the opportunity is very exciting," Bettman said. "And, having kept you waiting because we had a long way to drive (out here), I think all of you might concur, particularly with the proximity to hotels and the airport."

Bettman also confirmed the Senators have applied for an outdoor game and he'd like to see one here down the road. Ideally, the Senators want a game at Lansdowne Park live against Montreal in 2017.

"We have an interest in an outdoor game Ottawa if we can confirm the logistics," Bettman said.

MONEY MATTERS

Bettman told reporters there's nothing new to report on expansion. He said the most "serious" interest has come from Las Vegas, Seattle and Quebec City but expects if they go into a formal expansion process that will certainly increase. "Are there other places that have expressed an interest? Yes. But I don't think it's as concrete. In terms of people who are asking us to be owners, those would be the three," said Bettman. While many believe the board of governors will award a team to Vegas soon after Bill Foley's season ticket drive, Bettman tried to calm that kind of talk. "We don't have a plan yet. Mr. Foley can have a plan, and speculate all he wants, but ultimately it's up to the board of governors to decide if there's going to be expansion anywhere at any particular time and what the plan is," Bettman said. Asked if anyone is in danger of moving, Bettman said: "No, and I'm glad you asked the question because it would be good if that speculation stopped. I know there are places that might like a team and would like to see a team fail so it could move but that's not on the horizon." Of course, Bettman believes the expansion fee could be more than $500 million or higher. Bettman said he expects the salary cap to be around $71.5 million U.S. next season despite the fluctuating Canadian dollar as long as the NHLPA institutes it's 5% inflator.

LIFE IS A HIGHWAY

Clarke MacArthur was checking his phone after getting injured Friday night in Montreal and did a double take. It was buzzing like mad but the most noteable text came from Canadian rocker Tom Cochrane who wondered if his buddy MacArthur was going to be OK. The duo have played golf together during charity events in Lloydminster in the summer so they've kept in touch. "He's played in a few of them. He's a good friend of (former Senators defenceman) Wade Redden, (Columbus forward) Scott Hartnell and myself. He follows us. It was pretty funny to see (a text), 'Is it serious?' I said, 'It's alright, I think I'm alright," said MacArthur Sunday morning. I guess since MacArthur has made into the "Big Leagues" Cochrane wanted to make sure he was good to go. "You know you've got a good following," said MacArthur. "He's a pretty big hockey fan so it was pretty cool." As it turns out, MacArthur was good enough to suit up. He said the injury was nagging him for a few days and he hyper-extended it on the second shift and he tried to play with it but decided midway through the second period there wasn't any point in continuing.

"I just overextended, it was kind of nagging for a while," he said. "Just one of those players where by the second period I'm just hurting the guys at that point. I can't really chase P.K. (Subban) around for a couple of shifts. I'm thinking that's it for tonight." MacArthur admitted Saturday he wasn't completely sure he'd be ready to play. "During the game I left things weren't looking great," he said. "We did some good and some magic potion here and we're ready to go." What's in the potion? "It's a secret," he said with a laugh.

Twitter: @sungarrioch