Or it allows Stamkos to walk away from $12+ in Toronto to sign for $8.5 in Tampa. Same after tax money but gives his team a better chance to win. Sounds like a guy with pretty decent character
- Takemedrunkimhome

Also a myth

Please explain how it's a good thing to lose 14 times in OT.

If you use the old point system with 2 points for regulation win and 1 point for tie, then Colorado would have 85 points and Arizona would have 77 points.
If you use a 3 point system, then Colorado would have 123 points and Arizona would have 116 points.
- Goislanders

What kind of point system would you propose, Tanner?

Vegas also did the same trade and sign with Stone. He signed a 9.5 million dollar deal with the knights. For him to collect the same amount of money after taxes, in Ottawa, the deal would have had to carry a 13.5 million AAV.
- tomburton99

These numbers you guys are quoting are if you do your taxes yourself using TurboTax.

With proper financial planning, players in Canada can get very, very close to US tax rates, and in some circumstances, can do better.

These numbers you guys are quoting are if you do your taxes yourself using TurboTax.

With proper financial planning, players in Canada can get very, very close to US tax rates, and in some circumstances, can do better.
- Atomic Wedgie

A handful of states that have NHL teams have no state taxes, I doubt they're doing better than that

It could but it only affects a handful of different teams once a year, the huge difference in taxes from one team to the next is a recurring problem year after year for the same teams
- obie

I don't really think this is as big of a deal as people think. There's plenty of elite talent and expensive contracts in places with high taxes. The $$ + term, then state of the team, lifestyle of the city (beaches, women, nightlife, avg temp), then maybe taxes play into the decision. These are young multi millionaires, taxes are boring.

I don't really think this is as big of a deal as people think. There's plenty of elite talent and expensive contracts in places with high taxes. The $$ + term, then state of the team, lifestyle of the city (beaches, women, nightlife, avg temp), then maybe taxes play into the decision. These are young multi millionaires, taxes are boring.
- mgriffen

The players also have to pay taxes in every state they play in.

The players also have to pay taxes in every state they play in.
- StammerScores

Good point

I don't really think this is as big of a deal as people think. There's plenty of elite talent and expensive contracts in places with high taxes. The $$ + term, then state of the team, lifestyle of the city (beaches, women, nightlife, avg temp), then maybe taxes play into the decision. These are young multi millionaires, taxes are boring.
- mgriffen

And these young millionaires have agents who care a whole lot, who inform them of the money they stand to lose by signing in certain places... if you dont think that paying 18% in taxes compared to no taxes is a non factor when players are deciding on a new location then this conversation isn't really gonna go anywhere...

James Tanner: Thanks A Lot, Darcey
- James_Tanner

but unfortunately, Darcy Kuemper had one of the greatest seasons in NHL history.
A quick google search shows that his season isn't even in the top 50 for save % and GAA, so perhaps a little research before making such an outlandish claim is warranted.

Everyone else should be forced to watch a WHMIS video hosted by Pierre McGuire.
This was freaking hilarious so you get a mulligan on the first one.

And these young millionaires have agents who care a whole lot, who inform them of the money they stand to lose by signing in certain places... if you dont think that paying 18% in taxes compared to no taxes is a non factor when players are deciding on a new location then this conversation isn't really gonna go anywhere...
- obie

What's the breakdown? How many states have 0% taxes? I'd like to see the distribution of talent vs taxes in the league.

What's the breakdown? How many states have 0% taxes? I'd like to see the distribution of talent vs taxes in the league.
- mgriffen

4 states, 5 teams

Jamie Benn's salary is about a million dollars less than Patrick Kane's, but Benn takes home more than a million more, no state taxes in Texas and 4,95% in Illinois

What's the breakdown? How many states have 0% taxes? I'd like to see the distribution of talent vs taxes in the league.
- mgriffen

Florida, Tennessee, Texas, and Nevada don't collect income tax.
Florida, Texas, Washington state, and Washington, D.C. don't collect jock taxes.

4 states, 5 teams

Jamie Benn's salary is about a million dollars less than Patrick Kane's, but Benn takes home more than a million more, no state taxes in Texas and 4,95% in Illinois
- obie

They got Rads and Bishop, I'll give you that. But I don't see top end UFA's flocking to these taxless states. Canadian cities have plenty of talented players. California teams have had tons of talent over the years. The tax thing may sway the odd player but I think it has a very small impact on the distribution of talent.

Vegas also did the same trade and sign with Stone. He signed a 9.5 million dollar deal with the knights. For him to collect the same amount of money after taxes, in Ottawa, the deal would have had to carry a 13.5 million AAV.
- tomburton99

Yeah but living in Vegas it is a lot harder to hold onto that extra money, what with it being vegas and all....unless one is lucky....and they have done studies on luck too. Just ask James.

They got Rads and Bishop, I'll give you that. But I don't see top end UFA's flocking to these taxless states. Canadian cities have plenty of talented players. California teams have had tons of talent over the years. The tax thing may sway the odd player but I think it has a very small impact on the distribution of talent.
- mgriffen

It will become more and more of a problem in time and as salaries rise even more.... and it's not just about signing UFAs, it's also about resigning your own players

Kopitar signed for 10 million he doesn't even get 4 million of it because he's in LA where he pays 13.3% in taxes amongst other things.. it's an advantage, whether you think it's a relevant one or not, and the cap is in place to take advantages away but all it did was change hands

The 3 examples given in the comments of this very blog (Pacioretty, Stone and Stamkos) shows that it is a problem and they will address it, just not soon enough

1. People who communicate with memes and gifs are embarrassing themselves and not worth talking to.

2. It's sad when someone tries to be condescending and is wrong.


3. Darcy (that's without the e for all you spell checking duds) Kuemper finished with a .925 save percentage, which is a top 50 all-time season for goalies who played over 50 games.

When will you people learn that I am never wrong?
- James_Tanner

but unfortunately, Darcy Kuemper had one of the greatest seasons in NHL history.
A quick google search shows that his season isn't even in the top 50 for save % and GAA, so perhaps a little research before making such an outlandish claim is warranted.

Everyone else should be forced to watch a WHMIS video hosted by Pierre McGuire.
This was freaking hilarious so you get a mulligan on the first one.
- ruttager17

The research is that Darcy Kuemper has the 48th all time highest save percentage in an NHL season out of all goalies who ever played 50 games. No mulligan needed.

4 states, 5 teams

Jamie Benn's salary is about a million dollars less than Patrick Kane's, but Benn takes home more than a million more, no state taxes in Texas and 4,95% in Illinois
- obie

Yes, this is true if the player does his own taxes. There's really almost no difference between where you play and how much taxes you pay. The rates change, but the player doesn't have to live in the city where he works, there are write offs, loop holes etc. I wish I could find the link so you'll stop, but the difference between where you play is relatively minor.

Yes, this is true if the player does his own taxes. There's really almost no difference between where you play and how much taxes you pay. The rates change, but the player doesn't have to live in the city where he works, there are write offs, loop holes etc. I wish I could find the link so you'll stop, but the difference between where you play is relatively minor.
- James_Tanner

Talking about links? I can put up countless links of interviews with player agents that say taxes are definitely a factor... Agents saying that players with limited NTC even consider taxes into deciding what team they would accept a trade to. I think I'll take their word over yours but sure I'll stop

The research is that Darcy Kuemper has the 48th all time highest save percentage in an NHL season out of all goalies who ever played 50 games. No mulligan needed.
- James_Tanner

And Mike Smith had one of the top 15.

Yes, this is true if the player does his own taxes. There's really almost no difference between where you play and how much taxes you pay. The rates change, but the player doesn't have to live in the city where he works, there are write offs, loop holes etc. I wish I could find the link so you'll stop, but the difference between where you play is relatively minor.
- James_Tanner

Sure it is, That's why .....oh god, why bother

The Yotes need a new GM. How does this guy get off without a scratch with all these crazy deals he's made? Oilers former GM would be a perfect fit in Arizona. He'll figure it out

Best way to determine draft lottery (from the legendary Shane Doan)

Once you are eliminated form the playoffs you start tracking points. Most points at end of season gets the top pick. That way teams are still encouraged to win after they are eliminated. But the bad teams have more chances to earn points as they are eliminated sooner. From an NHL stand point it gives them something else to track and talk about. A win for all. Thanks Captain.

4 states, 5 teams

Jamie Benn's salary is about a million dollars less than Patrick Kane's, but Benn takes home more than a million more, no state taxes in Texas and 4,95% in Illinois
- obie

Soon to be 7.95 for Mr Kane

Please explain how it's a good thing to lose 14 times in OT.

If you use the old point system with 2 points for regulation win and 1 point for tie, then Colorado would have 85 points and Arizona would have 77 points.
If you use a 3 point system, then Colorado would have 123 points and Arizona would have 116 points.
- Goislanders

Then there's goal differential. A stat that stats people should really cling to. Scoring more than you let in is the basis of winning. The Avalanche had a positive one, the Yotes did not.. in fact,all the teams that qualified for the playoffs had a positive differential. Montreal is the only team that did not qualify that had one.