NHL GM exposes Bettman's claims: exposes disparity in tax benefits
Photo credit: Habs et LNH
NHL's supposed parity: A closer look at the tax advantage for U.S. teams.
The notion of parity in the National Hockey League (NHL) often appears more mythic than factual, particularly when dissecting the systemic advantages U.S.-based teams hold over their Canadian counterparts due to differing tax structures.
States like Florida and Nevada, which boast tax-free benefits, provide a significant financial edge to NHL teams based there.
This disparity was candidly acknowledged by Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz during a recent interview on TSN's Overdrive.
" It is an advantage because your dollar goes a little bit farther, "
This statement from Trotz can be seen in the context of player recruitment and retention strategies that significantly favor teams like the Predators.
This advantage was evident when Nashville secured top talents such as Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei, and Jonathan Marchessault during free agency, highlighting a fiscal benefit that teams like the Edmonton Oilers or Calgary Flames cannot match.
Further explaining the impact, Trotz elaborated on the dual benefits enjoyed by teams in tax-free states.
" When you talk to Stamkos or Marchessault or players that are serial winners, guys that have gone deep, have had good careers, and made a lot of money, it doesn't go that far," Trotz continued. "But it does help the middle group a little bit. For the elite players, the top players, they're just looking for a place that's serious about winning, wants to win, fits in their window. "
This fiscal perk has been a not-so-secret weapon for American teams, fostering conditions ripe for assembling championship-caliber rosters.
A clear example is Florida's success in the 2023-2024 season, building on the precedents set by the Vegas Golden Knights and the Tampa Bay Lightning in the preceding years.
The ongoing disparity raises questions about the NHL's commitment to real parity, as Canadian teams often find themselves at a disadvantage not just on the ice but in the financial arenas that play a critical role in team building and championship pursuits.
A deeper look into these financial benefits reveals an uneven playing field, a truth the league has yet to fully acknowledge or address.
In examining these fiscal advantages, it becomes clear why the NHL's narrative of parity might need a revisit, with a more transparent acknowledgment of how geography and tax codes influence the competitive landscape.
Source: Marker Zone
Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz exposes Gary Bettman's lies
Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz exposes Gary Bettman's lies
| POLL | ||
13 JUILLET | 45 ANSWERS NHL GM exposes Bettman's claims: exposes disparity in tax benefits Is Barry Trotz wrong? | ||
| No | 30 | 66.7 % |
| Yes | 15 | 33.3 % |
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