The NHL and its clubs will lose billions of dollars during the 2021 season as it’s held without fans. Commissioner Gary Bettman made the revelation Monday, saying it was critical to play through the pandemic. ESPN reports while some owners told the commissioner they’d rather sit out than incur the massive losses, Bettman said it was crucial to not be out of site and out of mind with the expansion Seattle Kraken coming into the league next season. The NHL kicks off its regular season on Wednesday.