Toronto Maple Leafs: 20 Best NHL Players Without a No-Trade Clause

Deputy commissioner and chief legal officer of the NHL Bill Daly speaks at the podium during the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft - Rounds 2-7 at Bridgestone Arena on June 29, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
Deputy commissioner and chief legal officer of the NHL Bill Daly speaks at the podium during the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft - Rounds 2-7 at Bridgestone Arena on June 29, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Roope Hintz #24 of the Dallas Stars celebrates his third-period goal against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game One of the Western Conference Final of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 19, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

#14 – Roope Hintz

Those that don’t watch many Dallas Stars games may not get to appreciate the ability Roope Hintz brings to the rink. The 26-year-old center from Tampere, Finland has played five years in the NHL.

In May of 2021, Hintz needed surgery to repair a tendon issue in his groin area. Since then, he’s been unbelievable. He played 80 games during the 2021-2022 campaign where he recorded 37 goals and 35 assists for 72 points. Hintz followed that up last season when he once again potted 37 goals. He also added 38 assists for a total of 75 points.

#13 – Cole Caufield

Cole Caufield has the potential to be one of the best players in the NHL. He has shown glimpses of it in his short time playing in the league.

Caufield was an exciting selection for the Montreal Canadiens when they got him in the 15th slot of the 2019 draft. Since he wasn’t ready to play in the NHL right away, he continued playing for the Wisconsin Badgers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In 2021, Caufield was voted the winner of the Hobey Baker Award, which is given to the top men’s player in NCAA Division I.

In January, with the Habs firmly out of a playoff position, the team shut Caufield down due to a shoulder injury. This gave the 22-year-old right-winger the opportunity to get the surgery he needed.

In June, Caufield agreed to a contract extension with the Canadiens. He signed an eight year pact worth $62.8M. That’s a $7.85M AAV. Caufield doesn’t have any restrictions until the final three years of the deal. That’s when a modified no-trade clause kicks in.

Last season, in 46 games Caufield scored 26 goals and added 10 helpers for a total of 36 points.