I wouldn't be surprised to see Panarin and Bobrovsky sign for those amounts, I think the Florida state tax advantage is gonna start working in the Panthers favor.

Tax doesn’t work the way you think it does. It’s effect is much less significant than you think

You don't think it's helping the Lightning?
Come on, it makes a pretty big difference.

NHL players are subject to a “jock tax” AKA they are taxed based on where they earn their income. Ex. If Barkov is playing a game in New York, he’ll pay taxes to New York State. It is MUCH more complicated than that. Especially involving players from overseas and tax treaties etc.... I’m a university audit student and also worked for a tax agency in North America. It’s extremely complex even I don’t understand most of it. Basically, a good accountant will probably save you more than depending what state you live in. So if any NHL players are bored spending their offseason on cap friendly... hit my line...

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jock_tax

Yes I know the 'jock tax' angle but regardless every guy who plays for the Panthers plays 41 games at home and has that tax advantage compared to the guy who plays 41 home games as a New York Ranger who doesn't for example.

I do think a good accountant/estate tax planner/investment people can help these guys save from paying some of the enormous taxes they pay but regardless if they pay less taxes the AAV can be lower compared to what another team would have to pay to achieve the same amount.

You’re right. It will be lower but not as significant as everyone else thinks it is.

Remember though that if Panarin signs in FL, FL has 2 teams. That means he is subject to FL taxes for 43/82 games as well as Canadian taxes for 10 games. If he goes to NY he is subject to the income tax there for games at home and against the Isles/Sabres meaning he would have to pay NY income tax in 44 or 45 games

Yup you’re absolutely right.