What happened: Pronger said he was vilified after requesting a trade during his Edmonton Oilers tenure. He argued that no-movement clauses give players a legitimate say in where they play.

Why it matters: Short careers make players increasingly attentive to opportunities during and after hockey, he said. He believes greater player control has not diminished on-ice competition or the pursuit of the Stanley Cup.

What to watch: Contract clauses and future trade requests will test how clubs balance roster control with player autonomy.