NHL general manager Bary Trotz reveals a large disadvantage for the Blackhawks

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Joshua Deeds
July 14, 2024 (4:11 PM)

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The topic of parity if often discussed when it comes to the game of hockey and the NHL, which claims to have it. But when it comes to states who have an income-tax advantage over others, it's hard to take seriously.

The criticism comes when you compare a team like the Edmonton Oilers, to the Florida Panthers. Sunrise, shelters a tax-free NHL team, who has the last two seasons iced a competitive team, compared to those in Canada and especially in Chicago.

When it came to the topic, GM Barry Trotz of the Nashville Predators on TSN's OverDrive outright admitted that teams like the Predators have an advantage over others, like the Blackhawks.

"There's no question it is an advantage," admitted Trotz on TSN Overdrive.

While it may be an advantage you'd think for top-end players, it's more a factor for the middle of your roster, so the bottom-six, instead of a player like Steven Stamkos who made a great amount of money during his career.

"When you talk to a Steven Stamkos... or the players that are serial winners, guys that have gone deep, had good careers, and made a lot of money, it doesn't go that far," revealed Trotz. "It does help the middle group a little bit, for the elite players they are just looking for a place that is serious about winning."

Trotz went into detail:

"For the guys that are usually leading your teams and being the big difference makers I don't think it is that big of a difference, I think it is more for the guys that are sort of in the second and third tier."

So for players like Jason Dickinson and Nick Foligno, it could be a big deal.

Source: Hockey Feed
Barry Trotz admits tax-free states have competitive advantage.