Bettman questions trade demands by players with contract protection
The commissioner says the NHL will watch the trend and could discuss it with the players’ association if it becomes a problem.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman questioned the use of contractual trade protection by players seeking moves in an October 1 appearance on Sportsnet’s FAN Hockey Show. He said the trend could hurt players, clubs and fans’ connection to the sport.
Bettman said the clauses were intended to give players certainty about remaining with the clubs they had chosen. Using that protection to demand a move and choose a destination, he said, went beyond that purpose.
He qualified his concern: one off-season was not enough to establish a problem. If the trend became one, Bettman said the league would discuss it with the NHL Players’ Association. He said the NHL would monitor developments and consider the interests of players and the league as a whole.
Among the disputes Sportsnet cited was Connor Hellebuyck’s situation with Winnipeg. The Jets goalie publicly confirmed his trade request on August 27. Sportsnet reported on October 1 that Hellebuyck had not attended training camp or played in the pre-season, while Winnipeg was holding out for an acceptable return.
