Report Shows Canucks Players Are Among Highest Taxed In The NHL

It is no secret that players in Canada generally pay more in taxes than those in the United States. This is due to different tax rates, which could cost a player more than 10% in taxes compared to another in a different province or state. Ultimately, different tax rates can persuade players to sign with certain teams, as they could be making a substantial amount more depending on where that team is located.

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The Hockey News recently released a detailed report on the tax situation of all 32 NHL teams. The report is based on assumptions by KPMG’s Mark Feigenbaum, who is currently representing Toronto Maple Leafs John Tavares in his case against the Canada Revenue Agency. Feignbaum’s basic premise was to take the approximate average NHL base salary of $3 million U.S. and see what effective overall tax rate this NHL player would have to pay.

According to Feignbaum’s research, which can be found here, a player on the Vancouver Canucks that makes $3 million U.S. is currently paying 52.20% in taxes. This means said player pays $1,594,390 in taxes, compared to receiving $1,405,610 after taxes. In this example, Canucks players are the fourth-highest taxed players in the NHL, with only players from the Montréal Canadiens, Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators receiving a slightly higher rate.

As for the least taxed players, that title belongs to Vancouver’s Pacific Division rival, the Seattle Kraken. According to Feignbaum’s report, players in Seattle who make $3 million U.S. are subjected to a 40.20% tax, paying $1,205,874. For comparison, that means a player who plays for Vancouver, who is making $3 million U.S., is paying $388,516 more than the same player who plays for the Kraken.

While the fact that Canucks players pay more in taxes is not a shocking development, it is interesting to see how much extra their players must pay in taxes per year. It is also easy to see why players may decide to sign with teams outside of Canada, as they could be making over $300,000 depending on the location. For a deeper look into the world of the hockey business, including Q&As and the Top 100 People of Power and Influence, check out The Hockey News’ Money and Power 2025 issue, available at THN.com/free.

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