Quote:
Originally Posted by littlereddevil
It makes you wonder if Canadian GMs will start avoiding American-born players at all costs, whether via the draft, trades, or free agency.
Either way, the original intentions of the salary cap era being a way to level the playing field have clearly not panned out, as there are still more desirable markets that are driven by player perception (+/- their agents' opinions). The market is clearly tilted in favour of larger American markets.
I wonder who will be the next American player to leave a Canadian team for peanuts. Matthews?
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I've talked to a few players I know who are currently playing in the NHL. All of them mentioned COVID is still fresh in the minds of the players. The bubble season was rough for a lot of the American guys being locked down and not having family with them. And while they couldn't really do much in Canada, their family and friends in the states were able to enjoy themselves much more. The players don't disagree with how COVID restrictions were managed in Canada, but they would rather be in their own country if it went down again. I think it might take 5 or more years of normal life again before most American born players want to sign long term in Canada.