Predators GM Barry Trotz exposes Gary Bettman and the NHL's salary cap

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Daniel Lucente
July 13, 2024 (11:05)

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Hockey fans have known for quite some time that the salary cap doesn't appear fair for all, and Predators GM Barry Trotz has finally exposed the truth behind it.

The Predators play in the state of Tennessee, which is one of nine states in the U.S. that don't levy a state income tax.

This means that players' pay cheques are not taxed like the other states, allowing them to take home a lot more of their net pay. Other NHL teams that take advantage of this tax-free pay are the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Seattle Kraken, Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights.

Trotz was recently on TSN's Overdrive, and completely admitted that his franchise has a heavy advantage in terms of the salary cap.

"It is an advantage because your dollar goes a little bit farther,"

The Predators were seen as the big free agent frenzy winners this year, as they successfully signed several elite players. Johnathan Marchessault, Steven Stamkos and Brady Skjei were all signed by Nashville, further proving Trotz' point regarding the salary cap issue.

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

Four of the last five Stanley Cup champions were all from tax-free states. The Panthers won in 2024, the Golden Knights in 2023 and the Lightning in 2021 and 2020. Unfortunately for Canadian teams who are taxed the highest than anyone else in the world, they have not been able to raise Lord Stanley in over 30 years.

Credit Blades of Steel:
Nashville GM Admits What Fans Already Know The Salary Cap Isn't Equal For All