We can’t deny it, certain markets are more advantageous in terms of taxes than others in Gary Bettman’s National Hockey League.
Many solutions have been proposed here and there to level the playing field for teams located in cities with higher taxes.
In the end, no modifications were made to the collective bargaining agreement on this issue, and from what we’ve learned, we are not close to finding a solution to this problem.
Gary Bettman’s right-hand man, Bill Daly, confirms this isn’t going to change anytime soon
In an interview with Michael Russo from The Athletic, Gary Bettman’s right-hand man, Bill Daly, stated that the league was looking at options on the matter. However, there was no simple solution to apply to resolve this issue.
The Athletic – NHL monitoring teams income-tax advantages, but there are no easy fixes
“There’s no easy fix. Players choose their destination for a variety of reasons. In the end, yes, [taxation] is one of them, but quality of life is probably more important.”
– Bill Daly
Discussions between the NHL and the NHLPA have also taken place on this subject, and both parties agreed that it was too complicated to level the playing field.
Player frustration
Players are well aware of this advantage, and it’s starting to frustrate many, especially those playing in Canada. As quoted in Russo’s article, Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto wasn’t afraid to react.
– Shane Pinto
To illustrate the problem, we only need to look at recent Stanley Cup Finals. Indeed, four of the last five champion teams came from states that don’t collect income tax. Furthermore, 7 of the last 10 finalists were in the same situation.
Kent Hughes doesn’t seem too worried
Teams will need to be more creative to attract players to their organization.
In this regard, Kent Hughes seems to have worked around the issue. He has built his team through the draft and signed long-term contracts with his young players to retain their services.
With Martin St-Louis behind the bench, someone many in the league seem to appreciate, and the fact that the team is improving year after year, the tax issue may soon become less relevant in Montreal. Many will want to play not just for a winning team, but for a winning team in the hockey mecca.
Attracting players through victory, not money, is much smarter.
Still, it’s hard to say that Bill Daly’s statement is particularly positive for the Montreal Canadiens.
