Predators GM: Some Teams Have Free Agency Advantage

The Nashville Predators have been very active during the early days of NHL free agency, signing top players Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei.

These new additions will strengthen an already solid team that reached the playoffs in 2023-24, making them strong contenders for the Stanley Cup in 2024-25. Nashville is attractive to free agents because of its passionate fans, vibrant city life, and competitive team. According to general manager Barry Trotz, another key factor is Tennessee’s lack of state income tax.

Trotz mentioned on TSN’s Overdrive that this tax advantage can be significant for attracting second- and third-tier free agents. “When you talk to Stamkos or Marchessault or players that are serial winners … it doesn’t go that far,” Trotz said via TSN. “But it does help the middle group a little bit.” He added that elite players mainly look for teams serious about winning.

Tax-Free States and Winning Teams:

Interestingly, four out of the last five Stanley Cup champions came from states without state income tax: Florida (Panthers), Tampa Bay (Lightning twice), and Nevada (Golden Knights). The Lightning and Dallas Stars also made it to the finals but lost during this period.

However, it’s important to note that correlation does not imply causation. Florida, Tampa Bay, Vegas, and Dallas are well-managed teams with strong rosters developed internally rather than through free agency alone. These states being tax-free isn’t a new phenomenon; they didn’t always dominate before this recent success cycle.

Fans might think this trend shows how smart management can make a big difference in winning championships.

While Trotz’s assessment holds some truth—tax advantages might sway some players—it’s not something teams can rely on entirely when building their rosters. In a league where small details matter between winning and losing, such factors can be crucial but not definitive.

What do you think? Does no state income tax make a big difference for these teams?