Why Top Hockey Stars Might Skip Boston

You're a professional hockey player. You're at the top of your game, and you're looking at a contract with the Boston Bruins. But wait, there's a catch. In Massachusetts, players have to pay a hefty income tax. This might make you think twice, right? A business group called Mass Opportunity Alliance has pointed out that this tax could be one reason why the Bruins haven't won the Stanley Cup since 2011. Let's look at the numbers. David Pastrnak, a star player for the Bruins, makes $13 million a year. But after taxes in Massachusetts, he's left with about $6. 88 million. If he played for a team in a state with no income tax, like Florida or Texas, he could take home around $7. 97 million. That's a big difference! It's not just Pastrnak. Brad Marchand, another Bruins player, would earn $400, 000 more if he played in a state without income tax. Even Sam Reinhart, who signed with the Florida Panthers, would save on taxes compared to playing in a high-tax state like California or New York. This tax issue isn't just affecting the Bruins. Teams in states with no income tax, like Florida, Texas, and Nevada, have been doing well. They can attract top talent because players can keep more of their income. This trend could change the way sports teams compete for players. But despite the tax situation, Boston sports teams have done pretty well. Since 2000, teams in the city have won 13 titles. So, maybe there's more to success than just taxes.