honestly I think you are way over thinking that. IF players were so focused on that, don't you think Russell would rather take his money and live in a city with a lower cost of living that edmonton vs Calgary. No one is picking a team based on Taxes and Cost of living as the deciding factor
NHL players are not hedge fund investments, they want to win and have a role on a team they feel conformable in, any other tax benefits etc are just bonuses for them.
- DDM-Coga
Actually, I don't think I am. Players aren't economists or accountants, but they do have agents, and the Flames GM sure as hell better be advising them of the nuance of signing in different markets and the money they see in their jeans.
Remember when it was reported that Giordano was seeking $9.5M and max term? Everyone seemed so shocked that he signed for $6.75M per season. Maybe it isn't so shocking when you consider that next year, when that new contract kicks in, he will be the fourth highest paid defenceman in the league after tax. Only Shea Webber, Suban and Letang will make more than Gio after the tax man gets his due.
The following are player - gross salary - after tax net salary.
Suban - $9,000,000 - $4,140,000
Webber - $7,8,57,142 - $4,675,000
Suter - $7,538,461 - $3,754,153
Letang - $7,250,000 - $3,871,500
Phaneuf - $7,000,000 - $3,598,000
Doughty - $7,000,000 - $3,290,000
Chara - $6,916,667 - $3,755,750
Giordano -$6,750,000 - $3,820,500
Karlsson - $6,500,000 - $3,341,000
To further the tax factor argument. Prior to the NDP changing the tax structure, the take home for Giordano would have been $4,151,250. Incidentally, this would have been higher take home than the $9M salaried Suban in Montreal.This would have placed him second in the league.
I'm pretty sure there is some relation between Salary and the tax rate in plenty of instances.