NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is eyeing player contracts, but not in the way you think. He's not going after William Karlsson's new deal or trying to take money from Mark Stone to stop him from getting a new spleen. Instead, the focus is solely on one aspect: no-trade clauses.
The main concern that the NHL Commissioner has with no-trade clauses is how they're being used. To be more specific, it's how players are forcing them to go to certain teams (think the Vegas Golden Knights) and how they won't stick around with clubs like the Detroit Red Wings and the Winnipeg Jets.
"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."Gary Bettman
Of course, this could be bad news for the Golden Knights since the head honcho is trying to prevent superteams. That would be no bueno as Vegas tries to acquire big names like Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck. The player empowerment movement has greatly benefitted Vegas, with names like Rasmus Andersson coming to town. Therefore, Bettman will likely monitor players who are looking at the attractive destinations first.
But let's say that Bettman goes absolutely nuclear and abolishes the whole concept. Granted, this is a long shot because the NHLPA will raise a stink about it. But let's say that no-trade clauses are no more. Does this actually benefit the Golden Knights?
Believe it or not, it does. Yes, this will be a problem on the whole "Oh, they're not loyal to their players" front. But the absence of no-trade clauses works in Vegas's favor IF it ever happened. Here's how.
What could Kelly McCrimmon do with changed no-trade clauses?
For one, it gives general manager Kelly McCrimmon the power to move off bad deals. People have clamored about how awful the Adin Hill contract turned out to be and have called for his head. The beleaguered goaltender has turned to dust since signing a six-year deal worth $6.25 million AAV in March 2025.
The goaltender currently has a 10-team no-trade list that eventually dwindles down to six in 2030-31. Hill will be much tougher to move in the current setting. But imagine if the no-trade clause were lifted. McCrimmon could have an easier time moving him, even with his salary being a question mark.
This can also be said about Tomas Hertl in the nuclear setting. Currently, the Czech Olympian is impossible to move because he only has three teams that he's willing to go to. While that number grows to 15 in two seasons, his no-trade clause, combined with his salary, makes him tough to move.
But the lack of a no-trade clause? Things get slightly easier. Yes, Hertl is on the older spectrum at the ripe ol' age of 32. However, the lifted restrictions open more doors for the general manager to work a deal. Perhaps a team trying to avoid the salary floor could take on the center?
Imagine the power that Kelly McCrimmon would have if the guardrails were removed
Again, it's not likely that the abolition of no-trade clauses will happen. While crazier things have happened, the NHLPA will have something to say about it and it's likely that Bettman will crack down on players going to attractive destinations. However, McCrimmon can do more with fewer restrictions and get the players he wants without any complications.
Getting rid of said guardrails makes it easier to move off players with restrictive no-trade clauses. Think of Tomas Hertl and Adin Hill in this situation. Heck, you can even say this for Rasmus Andersson if he doesn't pan out.
You could go a step further and imagine what McCrimmon could do without a salary cap (although the owners would loathe it). Basically, you'd make the Golden Knights into the NHL's Los Angeles Dodgers. But the nuclear option would be a good backup for making him into the NHL's proverbial trade lord.
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