Barry Trotz admits the Nashville Predators have an unfair advantage
Barry Trotz Acknowledges Unequal Salary Cap Across NHL Teams
Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz has confirmed a long-held belief among hockey fans: the salary cap isn't equal for all teams. Tennessee, where the Predators are based, is one of nine U.S. states that do not levy a state income tax, allowing players to take home more of their net pay.
This tax advantage extends to other teams, including the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, and Seattle Kraken, giving them an edge over the rest of the league.
Trotz spoke openly about this advantage during an appearance on TSN's Overdrive.
"It is an advantage because your dollar goes a little bit farther,"
Trotz said.Many hockey pundits believe the Nashville Predators emerged as winners in free agency, securing the signatures of 40-goal scorers Jonathan Marchessault and Steve Stamkos, as well as defenseman Brady Skjei. Trotz acknowledges that the absence of state income tax helps attract high-end unrestricted free agents (UFAs), but he insists that the team's culture and the franchise's commitment to winning play a bigger role.
"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."
The success of teams based in tax-free states is evident. Four of the last five Stanley Cup champions hail from these states: the Panthers (2024), Golden Knights (2023), and Lightning (2021, 2020). In contrast, a Canadian team hasn't won the Stanley Cup since the Montreal Canadiens in 1993.
Trotz's comments shed light on the significant impact state tax policies can have on team dynamics and player decisions in the NHL, further highlighting the complex financial landscape within the league.
Source: Blade of Steel
Nashville GM Admits What Fans Already Know The Salary Cap Isn't Equal For All
| POLL | ||
Who leads the Nashville Predators in goals next season? | ||
| Jonathan Marchessault | 8 | 11.1 % |
| Steve Stamkos | 35 | 48.6 % |
| Filip Forsberg | 28 | 38.9 % |
| Other | 1 | 1.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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