I feel this was a major reason why Gaudreau chose to sign with whatever American NHL team would pay him similarly to Calgary's reported offer:
https://twitter.com/MattBarnaby3636/...16728353415168
Let's be honest, it's extremely difficult for Canadian NHL teams to compete with American markets.
I'm willing to bet that the Tkachuks (yes, Brady too), Miller and Matthews will all leave next. It's hard to attract and keep American NHL stars when they have no real reason to stay here besides the possibility of winning a cup. And a Canadian team hasn't won a cup in nearly 30 years. I don't think it's a coincidence that a Canadian team hasn't won in such a long time.
If Gaudreau left us to simply play in a U.S. market (and out of the spotlight of a Canadian team), I have less hard feelings. It's the nature of the business and will always be the challenge for Canadian teams trying to compete with American teams. Canadian teams should be very cautious about American players moving forward. You have to protect the product on the ice. Bring players here that actually want to play in a Canadian market and don't care about the fact that they can earn more money in the U.S. (after taxes) or play out of the spotlight / media attention.
Like what else is there for sports teams in Columbus? The Buckeyes? That's basically it. Gaudreau will get his opportunity to play for a team while facing less pressure to perform and win.