NHL commissioner Gary Bettman promises this summer's unconventional tournament "won't be too gimmicky," as the league balances safety concerns with creating a good television product and maintaining the integrity of the Stanley Cup.

"I think everybody can feel good, based on the combination of the play-in round and the way we're going to run the playoffs, that this will be a full competition which will bring out the best in our teams and our players," Bettman told ESPN's Mike Greenberg on Monday. "The Stanley Cup champion will be deserving of that crown and the most storied trophy in all of sports."