Some elements of Commissioner Bettman's plan are immediate, such as putting teams on notice that they must immediately inform the League office when they become aware of an incident of conduct involving NHL personnel "on or off the ice that is clearly inappropriate, unlawful or demonstrably abusive," or expect to face "severe discipline" for failure to do so.
Other elements will take time, such as the creation of a mandatory annual program on counseling, consciousness-raising, education and training on diversity and inclusion for all head coaches, minor league coaches under contract with NHL teams, assistant coaches, as well as general managers and their assistants.
So too will the establishment of a system -- Bettman said perhaps a hotline -- that will allow people to report inappropriate conduct to the NHL either anonymously or for attribution.
What makes all this so important? It shows the League is evolving much in the way its players and fan base are changing.
Quietly accepting the status quo or going along to get along for fear of reprisal or seeing career aspirations stalled isn't going to work in the 21st century -- in this business or any other.
Commissioner Bettman's remarks and actions show the NHL understands that and is aware of the responsibility it has to facilitate change, and not just in the 31-team league.
"As one of the preeminent professional sports leagues in the world and the preeminent hockey league in the world, we recognize and embrace our role in setting an example," Commissioner Bettman said.
Change doesn't come easy, but it doesn't come at all if you don't try.
"This is an opportunity and a moment for positive change, and this evolution should be expedited for the benefit of everyone associated with the game we love," Commissioner Bettman said.