NHL commissioner Gary Bettman expressed his displeasure with how no-trade and no-movement clauses are being used by some of the league’s players and said the NHL will be monitoring how the protections are being utilized in the future.
“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,” said Bettman in an interview with Sportsnet 590 in Toronto on Thursday.
Bettman stated that trade protections were put into the league’s current CBA to restrict teams from trading players after they had signed long-term contracts.
However, he believes the clauses are no longer being used as “originally intended.”
There are several examples that Bettman could cite to prove his point.
Former Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk used his no-movement clause to facilitate a trade to the Florida Panthers.
Detroit Red Wings team captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade from the team, but limited the team’s trade partners to three franchises.
Winnipeg Jets goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck has demanded a trade and has a no-movement clause in his contract. Hellebuyck has not reported to the team and has been suspended by the team.
“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,” said Bettman. “If this becomes a problem — I don’t think one offseason a problem makes — but if it becomes a problem, it’s something we are going to have to discuss with the players’ association.”
