How NHL stars view the growing debate over state income taxes

"There has been a flurry of discourse recently about whether state income tax has an effect on the way NHL players and teams conduct their business, and several players have now confirmed that taxes do have an impact on hockey operations. The conversation has previously reached Commissioner Gary Bettman, who dismised the concerns about state income tax as " ridiculous" to NHL on TNT during the 2025 Stanley Cup Final."

"However, multiple NHL athletes are now speaking out about how the income tax debate affects where they want to play. One did so anonymously to The Athletic in their annual player polls conducted prior to the start of the NHL season. That skater, who currently plays in a no-tax state, said he would only want to play for other teams where he would not have to pay state income tax -- specifically, the Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights."

State income taxes are influencing NHL player decisions and team hockey operations, with multiple players confirming tax effects on where they want to play. Commissioner Gary Bettman dismissed tax concerns as "ridiculous," yet players continue to voice the importance of tax environments. An anonymous player from a no-tax state said he would only consider teams in no-tax jurisdictions, listing the Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights. The Florida Panthers' recent championships intensified the debate, and a star forward suggested state income taxes would change the team's makeup. Brad Marchand expressed doubts about returning amid severe cap constraints and several pending, high-value contracts.

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