Four NHL clubs face trade constraints from movement clauses

The four rosters combine for 52 protected contracts.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 11 min read

What happened: Los Angeles, Toronto, Boston and New Jersey were identified as carrying unusually large totals of no-movement and no-trade protection. Such clauses can limit a club's options when reshaping its roster.

Why it matters: The restrictions could complicate moves ahead of the 2026-27 season, particularly for teams looking to trade veterans or alter their cores. Players with protection can control or narrow potential destinations.

By the numbers: Los Angeles has 13 protected contracts; Toronto has 15; Boston has 11; and New Jersey has 13. Toronto's total includes seven no-movement clauses, two full no-trade clauses and six partial no-trade clauses.

What to watch: Roster flexibility will remain a factor as clubs approach the 2026-27 season and future trade windows.

Sources

sports.yahoo.com 2026-09-01T08:06:20.008509+00:00

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