NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has acknowledged that the league’s trade protection policies have expanded beyond their original purpose, raising concerns about their impact on player movement and team flexibility. The comments come amid ongoing discussions about how trade rules balance competitive fairness with market dynamics in the league. Bettman’s remarks suggest a shift in perspective, though it remains unclear whether changes to the system will follow. The debate highlights tensions between preserving parity and allowing teams greater autonomy in roster construction.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says trade protection has gone past ‘original intention’  The New York Times