American exodus: why do so many US NHL stars want out of Canada?
Players across the league are leaving their teams up north to return home. It’s prompted questions around money, tax rates, geopolitics and respect
TL;DR
- American NHL players are increasingly leaving Canadian teams to play in the US, a reversal of a century-old concern.
- Players like Quinn Hughes, Matthew Tkachuk, Brady Tkachuk, Dylan Larkin, and Connor Hellebuyck have sought moves back to the US.
- Reasons cited include family ties, tax rates, geopolitical tensions, and a desire to play closer to home.
- The 4 Nations Face-Off and events like the Olympics, including political recognition, seem to have influenced some players.
- While financial competitiveness has improved for Canadian teams with the salary cap, the desire of top American players to play in Canada appears to be waning.