NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman isn’t happy about how players are wielding no-trade and no-movement clauses to force their way to other clubs. “As I look at what’s happened or is happening now, I don’t think that’s a good thing,” Bettman declared on Sportsnet 590’s FAN Hockey Show with Matt Marchese and Michael Futa. He’s saying it straight up: this isn’t good for anyone involved, not the players, not the teams, and definitely not us fans who just want to connect with the game.
The Commissioner’s Gripes With Player Power
Bettman is clearly frustrated, calling out the way some players are now basically picking their next destination and demanding trades. He said, “That was never the original intention.” For him, these clauses were never meant to be a tool for players to dictate where they go, but that’s exactly what’s happening. He believes it’s causing issues across the board. While a player might think it helps them in the short term, Bettman isn’t even sure it’s good for them in the long run. He’s making it clear the league needs to consider what’s best for the game overall, for all players, and for the league itself. It’s on their radar.
Stars Forcing Their Hands
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski pointed out a few examples that really show the commissioner’s concern in action. Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk used a no-movement clause to jump to the Florida Panthers, all to play alongside his brother, Matthew Tkachuk. Then you’ve got Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, who reportedly told his team he wouldn’t re-sign in 2028 and then blocked a trade to the Dallas Stars.
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is also looking for a trade, and he initially gave his team a super short list of just three preferred destinations: the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, or Florida Panthers, according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press. Now, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that list has grown, including the Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Dallas Stars, and Tampa Bay Lightning. And let’s not forget Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who hasn’t even reported to the team this year after issuing a trade request. These aren’t just isolated incidents, Bettman is watching, and it’s got him thinking this could become a real problem.
What’s Next For The League and The Players?
So, what does this all mean? Bettman made it clear that if this trend keeps up, it’s going to be a major discussion with the players’ association. “If this becomes a problem… it’s something we’re going to have to discuss with the players’ association,” he noted. The current collective bargaining agreement runs through the 2029-30 season, so there’s time for the league to bring this up in future negotiations. NHL agent Allan Walsh has pushed back on Bettman’s claims, so it won’t be an easy conversation. With the season just getting underway, the futures of some of the league’s biggest stars are stuck in limbo, all because of these clauses. It’s definitely something to keep an eye on as the games start to matter.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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