No way, Cirelli is too valuable for us.

He’s easily been the best all around forward on the team so there’s no way that he goes anywhere. Also I doubt that Aho makes 400k more than Matthews. Factoring the 7% income tax on Aho and the 33% on Matthews, I feel like Aho sign for 7.5-8 million.

Wait, my income tax % in NC is only 7%? I think I’m being dramatically over taxed then.

Honestly - tax rate is much higher than 7%

Why does TB trade for Ferland when they could just sign him as a UFA?

This AGM is for 19-20 after the Canes sign him.

Trading a player who just signed with you is unwise as it will deter future UFAs from signing with you.

Actually I’m wrong. The income tax in NC is a flat 5.499% with no advanced tax bracket system. In Canada the income tax is 33.333% on all income over $200,000. Florida has no personal income tax, which is why you saw Kucherov take 9.5 and why Point will take 7-9. Matthews and McDavid, while being called greedy, are actually making an average of 7.75 (Matthews) and 8.33 (McDavid). McDavid is getting paid the same as Stamkos and Matthews is making the same as Ekblad. Taxes play a huge role which is why players get bigger contracts in Canada. On the flip side, Canadian players tend to get a lot of endorsements from off ice entities because of the hockey culture. I’m actually from the US and I now live in Canada, and believe me, the tax difference is unreal! If I was a hockey player, there’s no way that I’d live in Canada unless it’s where I was from.

Now before you crucify me for not understanding taxes, their are many different things to factor in. Your overall income tax in Ontario is about 53%. In North Carolina it is approximately 44% on an $8M income. Sales taxes are far higher in Canada, property taxes in Toronto are higher than, say, Tampa. Food costs far more, gas is more expensive, housing is more expensive, and the price of living in general inflated Canada’s numbers. It’s not blown way out of proportion, but it plays a big factor in how much a player makes.

Yes, correct. Guessing nobody here is a tax lawyer specializing in this topic.

Honestly, Aho’s deal isn’t going to be compared to Matthews. We are entering an era where term is going to be more important than anything. I guarantee that Canes are pushing for 8 years, and that’s going to drive the price more than taxes.

I’m in the minority here, but I think Aho is going to get $10M + for 8 years.

10m +? Now you got me thinking... Maybe him and Marner get identical contracts...

For me it’s about term...8 year deal will have to be over $10M. If the term is lower (5 year) then it’s going to be lower.