Bettman Expressed Concern Over No-Trade Clauses
The NHL commissioner signaled that current player trade protection clauses may negatively impact the league.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Hockey
Live Poll
Should professional athletes have the power to demand which team they are traded to?
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has voiced concerns regarding the growing use of no-trade and no-movement clauses by players. He suggested that these clauses are being used to force moves to specific teams, potentially harming the overall interests of the league.
Why it matters
The league is concerned that these trade protections allow players to manipulate their destination teams rather than facilitating fair market transitions. Officials indicated that the NHL may address these issues with the Players Association if current trends persist.
Players are increasingly leveraging trade clauses to limit their future teams, as seen when Dylan Larkin requested a trade while restricting potential partners to just 3 teams. These contractual maneuvers are occurring as the current collective bargaining agreement remains in effect until its expiration on September 15, 2030.
The players
Gary Bettman
He serves as the commissioner of the National Hockey League and oversees the league's collective bargaining and operational policies.
Brady Tkachuk
He is an NHL player who notably utilized a no-movement clause to secure a trade to the Florida Panthers.
Dylan Larkin
He is an NHL player who requested a trade while limiting his potential landing spots to only three teams.
Zach Werenski
He is an NHL player who reportedly declined to sign a new contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Connor Hellebuyck
He is an NHL player who was suspended by the Winnipeg Jets following his request for a trade.
The details
Recent high-profile instances have highlighted the issue, including Brady Tkachuk forcing a trade to the Florida Panthers and Connor Hellebuyck facing suspension after a trade request. Meanwhile, players like Zach Werenski have opted to decline contract extensions, further complicating roster management for clubs.
Timeline
Last summer, Brady Tkachuk utilized a no-movement clause to force a trade to the Florida Panthers.
The latest collective bargaining agreement officially kicked in during September 2026.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman discussed the league's concerns during a radio interview on September 24, 2026.
Zach Werenski is currently playing under a contract that is set for renewal in 2028.
The current NHL collective bargaining agreement is scheduled to expire on September 15, 2030.
Season Trajectory
These tensions over trade protection clauses threaten to disrupt competitive balance by allowing star players to dictate their paths to specific contenders. This shift complicates the long-term roster construction for clubs and could lead to major policy debates before the next CBA expiration.
Fans should monitor how these trade requests impact roster stability and depth, as limited trade partners can significantly reduce the return value for clubs dealing away star players. These maneuvers directly affect the timeline of rebuilds and the competitive window for teams across the league.
The takeaway
The increasing use of trade protection clauses is creating friction between player agents and league leadership over contract flexibility. Players and clubs must navigate these limitations as they seek to align personal career goals with organizational roster strategies.
Further reading
For more information on the current state of the league, visit the Hockey section.
Live Poll
Should professional athletes have the power to demand which team they are traded to?
