Bettman Criticizes Use of No-Trade Clauses

8:11 PM ETDeveloping

Sports Desk

In Short: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed concern Thursday over the current use of no-trade clauses, stating they are no longer being used as originally intended.

Bettman told Sportsnet 590 in Toronto that no-trade clauses were initially designed to protect players from being traded after signing long-term contracts.

He noted that the recent trend of players using these clauses to dictate their next team's location has shifted the original intent of the agreements.

For example, Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk used his no-movement clause to force a trade to the Florida Panthers last summer, where his brother Matthew plays.

Bettman emphasized that the ability for players to demand trades and choose their next destination was never part of the original agreement.

Bettman added that if this trend continues to become problematic, the league will have to discuss the issue with the players' association.

The commissioner said the league will monitor how trade protection is being utilized going forward.

Player agents have also observed a shift in how no-trade clauses are being used, noting it as part of a broader trend of player empowerment in the NHL.

What's still developing

"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.
"Maybe you're giving a hometown discount, and you wanted to make sure you can be where you wanted to be, and where you're signing up to be," said Bettman.
Then it starts to become ubiquitous for the guys that have those clauses.
"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." The way no-trade clauses have been used has "flipped" in recent years, according to one player agent speaking to ESPN, as part of an overall player empowerment movement in the NHL.

Sources

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