NHL's Gary Bettman monitoring how no-trade clauses are used - ESPN

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman believes that no-trade clauses are no longer being used as «originally intended,» and instead, players are using them to force moves to specific teams after requesting a trade.

«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.

Bettman said that trade protection was originally put in place to protect players from teams trading them after signing a long-term contract.

«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.

Several high-profile NHL players who recently sought a change in scenery have used their no-movement or no-trade clauses to control their next destinations:

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

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski reportedly told the team he wouldn't sign a new contract when his deal is up in 2028 and then blocked a trade to the Dallas Stars.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin asked for a trade but narrowed the field of trade partners to just three teams.

Winnipeg Jets star goalie Connor Hellebuyck also has a no-movement clause and was suspended by the team after failing to show up to training camp after requesting a trade.

«This notion now, where you can select where you want to go to and you can demand a trade, that was never the original intention,» said Bettman. «If this becomes a problem — I don't think one offseason a problem makes — but