NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman addresses rising player trade demands

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has suggested that the league may need to review the use of no-trade clauses following a recent increase in players using them to force trades to specific teams. Bettman noted that these clauses were originally intended to provide players with security when signing long-term contracts or offering hometown discounts, protecting them from being traded unexpectedly.

However, the commissioner observed that players are now using these provisions to demand trades to a select list of preferred destinations. Bettman stated, “I think we’ve gotten past the way no-trade clauses were originally intended,” and indicated that if this trend continues, the league will discuss the matter with the players association.

Recent examples of this trend include Brady Tkachuk, who successfully moved to the Florida Panthers, and players like Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck, whose trade requests have led to complications. Larkin has reportedly lost his captaincy with the Detroit Red Wings, while Hellebuyck has been suspended without pay by the Winnipeg Jets for failing to attend training camp while awaiting a trade.