The NHL commissioner Gary Bettman reportedly told teams not to make any trades during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, according to a new report.

Since the playoff started, only two trades went down. On May 21 the Tampa Bay Lightning got Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators in retun for two draft picks; on May 24, the Chicago Blackhawks and the New York Islanders exchanged a few picks.

Per NHL.com:

“MAY 21: Tampa Bay Lightning acquire defenseman Ryan McDonagh and a 4th-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft from the Nashville Predators for a 7th-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and a 2nd-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft

MAY 24: Chicago Blackhawks acquire a 1st-round and 2nd-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft from the New York Islanders for a 1st-round pick and two 2nd-round picks in the 2024 NHL Draft. ”

Gary Bettman asked teams to wait until after the Stanley Cup Playoffs to make trades.

According to a new report, NHL teams refrained from making trades because the league asked them to wait until the Stanley Cup Playoffs were over, as to not divert attention from the Final:

“If the season ends tonight there is a chance we see a flood of moves by Monday. The league has gently nudged teams to let the Stanley Cup finish before they make any moves. While not enforceable the league has offered a suggestion to let the Cup be handed out without distraction.”

If that’s the case, many trades could go down in the coming days. The Stanley Cup Playoffs could end tonight as the Oilers are set to face elimination in Edmonton.

Do you think Gary Bettman had a good reason to tell teams tnot to make any trades during the Stanley Cup Playoffs?