"Surely Stamkos and Skjei took discounts": Fans react over Predators' Barry Trotz's take over tax-free states having an advantage

The Nashville Predators' general manager, Barry Trotz, recognizes their unique NHL advantage. Players on the Predators benefit as Tennessee doesn't have a state income tax. It helps them keep more of their earnings under the NHL's salary cap system.

"It is an advantage because your dollar goes a little bit farther," Trotz said via TSN. "There's no question."

Fans reacted to the news when TheScore NHL shared it on X (formerly Twitter).

"Surely Stamkos and Skjei took discounts," one fan said.

"Shouldn't players in Canadian cities have an even bigger advantage since they're paid in US dollars," another fan commented.

"But people were mocked by actual people that cover this game for a living for suggesting such a thing," a fan tweeted.

Here are some more reactions from NHL fans on X.

"Maybe people will finally stop lying to themselves that it’s not an advantage now," one fan commented.

"Those states aren't some magical paradise-They just get their money differently. Agents and accountants know this. You should probably interview a tax accountant over Barry Trotz. Unless he has a side gig we don't know about," another fan said.

"It’s up to fans to vote in politicians that don’t steal as much from their teams," a fan tweeted.

Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz on NHL free agency insights

Despite this benefit, Barry Trotz indicated that it is more significant for mid-tier players than for established stars like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, who prioritize teams focused on winning.

"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 said. "But it does help the middle group a little bit."

The Predators used this advantage by signing key free agents this offseason, including Stamkos and Marchessault.

"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," Trotz talked about veteran NHL players looking for championship wins.

Other teams in tax-free states, such as the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, have attracted top talent recently. This trend includes several recent Stanley Cup champions from states without income tax.

Despite these financial advantages, all NHL teams adhere to the same salary cap rules, ensuring a level playing field since the cap was introduced in 2005-06.