The Atheltic did a deep dive into this and found that no stx states had a small edge but as you say DK, the federal taxes they pay in every state is the real factor

Because he’s such a one-dimensional player and he’s also ridiculously streaky to boot. He simply doesn’t play defense very well and that’s something Bednar doesn’t tolerate at all. Moreover, we need more physicality up front and he doesn’t bring that either. I think if the Avs wanted him, he’d already be signed. I just honestly think he would be a terrible fit for the team.

Really, I think the whole “no state income tax” thing is hyperbolic. These guys still have to pay federal taxes. When comparing your state tax bill to the feds, it’s pennies vs dollars. I certainly don’t believe that it’s a primary reason teams in those states are good.

100% the no state income tax thing is only advantageous if you have OTHER ancillary things to offer. Weather, maybe a vibrant fun city & of course being a well run competent, competitive organization.

It mostly comes across as sour grapes amongst fans of teams in states that do have state taxes.

The proof is in the pudding. The Panthers & Lightning were amongst the dregs of the league for basically 2 plus decades. It was only after they got competent management & started winning that it became a so – called unfair advantage.

You can’t have too many centers, even if they are just average in the center role.

I think with a lot of players, their team would trade them for a big enough haul. Many of the same players are rumored about every year, but never get traded. I think teams just want too much and hope someone is willing o greatly overpay.

One of the things people do not discuss is that most hockey players come from cold climates. Especially in Europe, they worship anywhere that is warm. Vegas, Florida, and Texas are places they go on holiday and many want to live there. If Phoenix had been a winning team, players would have wanted to go there too.