Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiggy
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.
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The NBA did a bubble in the US and it was basically the same thing as the NHL. Most American NHL players are from states that weren't anymore open or closed than Canada - (Minnesota, Michigan, New York and Massachusetts are the main sources of American NHL players).
That said - I do understand the appeal of being in your own country.
But really - Calgary and Ottawa are both teams looking for new arenas. For Calgary its because their arena is old and outdated. For Ottawa its because their arena is miles away from the 'interesting' parts of the city.