Longtime NHL exec KEN YAFFE is leaving the league after 19 years. NHL Deputy Commissioner BILL DALY yesterday informed staff of Yaffe’s decision to leave his position as Senior VP/International. Daly wrote, “He has been instrumental in the growth of our game internationally ... and in bringing NHL regular season games both to Japan and to various countries throughout Europe. He has faithfully served me as a trusted advisor in our international dealings for years, and has assisted the League in establishing and maintaining good relations with the international hockey community.” Yaffe, who will leave the NHL March 30, joined the league in '93 shortly after GARY BETTMAN was named commissioner. He most recently oversaw the international media, event, sponsorship and licensing businesses and previously directed the league's fan development and events and entertainment activities. Yaffe said, “I’ve had a tremendous run here and am a huge fan of the sport. This has been way more than a job for me and my plan is to stay in the game.” Yaffe said he is looking at short-term project work in hockey and interested in long-term opportunities as an advisor in hockey with a team, sponsor or product developer.
