The league carried out its own investigation into the allegations, but has yet to release its findings. Bettman said that once the criminal investigation was over the league would respond appropriately.

“They’re all away from their teams on leave, and they’re all free agents,” said Bettman. Facing questions on whether the league should suspend the players without pay, Bettman said, “I don’t think that is necessary at this stage.”

Bettman also refuted any sense among members of the public that the alleged assault reflects hockey culture more broadly.

“This is not typical of NHL players,” he said. “These players weren’t NHL players in the league playing games at the time this alleged incident took place.”