National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman voiced concern on Thursday that some players are exploiting no‑trade and no‑movement clauses in ways that diverge from the original intent of the collective bargaining agreement. In an interview with Sportsnet 590 in Toronto, Bettman said the league will be watching how these protections are applied moving forward.
Original purpose of trade protections
Bettman explained that the clauses were inserted into the current CBA to prevent teams from moving players who had signed long‑term contracts without their consent. “As I look at what’s happening now, I don’t think that’s a good thing. I don’t think it’s good for the player, the club or the fans’ connection to the game,” he said.
Recent examples cited
The commissioner pointed to several high‑profile cases that illustrate his concerns. Former Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk used his no‑movement clause to facilitate a trade to the Florida Panthers, effectively choosing his destination. Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade but limited the pool of potential partners to three specific franchises. Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who also holds a no‑movement clause, has demanded a trade, refused to report to the team, and was subsequently suspended.
Potential league response
“This notion now, where you can select where you want to go to and you can demand a trade, that was never the original intention,” Bettman said. He added that if the trend becomes a broader problem, the NHL will need to discuss possible adjustments with the players’ association.
Impact on fans and clubs
Bettman emphasized that the current approach could erode the relationship between teams and their fan bases. When players can dictate trade destinations, clubs lose flexibility to build rosters that reflect local market needs and competitive balance. Fans, in turn, may feel disconnected from decisions that appear to prioritize individual preferences over team success.
Looking ahead
The commissioner did not outline specific policy changes but indicated that the league will be reviewing the use of these clauses in upcoming CBA negotiations. Stakeholders, including team owners, players, and the NHL Players’ Association, are expected to weigh in on how best to preserve the spirit of the agreement while addressing the concerns raised by Bettman.
For now, the NHL remains committed to maintaining competitive integrity and ensuring that trade protections serve both players and clubs as originally intended.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
