A top hockey official has criticized the league’s approach to player protections, arguing that frustration over no-trade and no-move clauses should be directed at the general managers responsible for granting them rather than the players themselves. The comments come as the NHL continues to monitor how these restrictions impact team flexibility and competition. Industry observers suggest the league’s focus may be shifting toward addressing the practices of those who frequently approve such clauses. The debate highlights broader tensions between player autonomy and league-wide strategic balance.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman made news this week when he discussed no-trade and no-move clauses being something the NHL is keeping an eye on. But Bettman should focus his frustration not on the NHL players who have no-trades and no-moves, but rather, on the 32 GMs who hand them out like candy.