NHL commissioner Gary Bettman believes no-trade clauses are no longer being used as "originally intended," and instead, players are using them to force moves to specific teams after requesting a trade.
"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 said that trade protection was originally put in place to protect players from teams trading them after signing a long-term contract.
Several high-profile NHL players who recently sought a change in scenery have used their no-movement or no-trade clauses to control their next destinations: The Ottawa Senators said that captain Brady Tkachuk used his no-movement clause to force a trade to the Florida Panthers last summer, where his brother Matthew plays. Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski reportedly told the team he wouldn't sign a new contract when his deal is up in 2028 and then blocked a trade to the Dallas Stars.
"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."
Source: ESPN NHL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing