NHL stars joined contestants on a special league-themed segment of The Price Is Right Tonight at CBC's Toronto studios on Wednesday, but the real game was off-stage as players discussed the growing trend of athletes controlling their own trades through contract clauses.
The segment, timed to coincide with the launch of the NHL schedule and the game show's second season in Canada, featured Matthew Schaefer, Tom Wilson, Brandon Montour, Jake Walman, and retired Maple Leafs legend Wendel Clark. Before helping fans bid on prizes and play classic games like Plinko and Let 'Em Roll, the players reflected on a volatile week of NHL transactions.
Recent Blockbuster Trades Highlight Player Power
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk informed the team he would not re-sign, leaving them no choice but to trade him to the Florida Panthers to join his brother Matthew. The Senators received three first-round picks and a second-round pick in return. Bowen Byram, seeking a larger role on defence, was traded from the Buffalo Sabres to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Washington Capitals acquired forward Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues for forward Connor McMichael, prospect Milton Gastrin, and a 2026 first-round pick, after Kyrou lifted his no-trade clause. Morgan Rielly also waived his clause to allow the Toronto Maple Leafs to explore a deal closer to his roots in British Columbia, with four Western Conference teams approved.
Players Weigh In on the Shift
Seattle Kraken defenceman Brandon Montour observed that many players pushing for moves have been out of the playoffs for several years. "That gets draining," he said. "I've been on both sides — I've won a Cup with Florida and been on bad teams that haven't made it. All you want is a chance to get into the playoffs and win a Stanley Cup." Montour added that while there are conversations around the league about limiting player control, "players have their rights and teams are always finding ways to get rid of you or keep you. I'm sure they'll come up with a conclusion, but at this point players are pushing the needle."
Tom Wilson, thrilled to add fellow Torontonian Kyrou to the Capitals, said, "Some players will control their own destinations; some won't. I've loved being in one place and hope I never have to wear another jersey. But some guys want to change teams willingly. To each their own. If a player wants to find a better situation, I'm all for it."
Rookie and Veteran Perspectives
New York Islanders rookie of the year Matthew Schaefer, 18, admitted the trade volatility is "crazy," but added that "if you're not getting moved because you like your spot, then it's fun." Wendel Clark, who earned less than $500,000 in his early years with the Leafs as a No. 1 overall pick, offered a veteran perspective: "I'm old-school, but it's a new thing that's coming, players having the clout to say 'I want to play here or there.' But you can't pick where you're going to win. It's too hard. If you're doing it because you want change or you're not happy, I understand that. You only have a window of 4 to 15 years, so you'd better have fun playing."
Clark also noted that the Carolina Hurricanes, who went deep in the playoffs, were "probably the only team that didn't have any injuries. Nobody would've picked that."
