NHL player poll: League’s elite weigh in on expansion, trade demands, state taxes and more

Key Points:

• The NHL and NHLPA’s annual player media tour offers a casual setting for interviews with top players, covering a wide range of topics from personal preferences to league expansion views.
• Players generally favor Houston or Austin for NHL expansion due to market size and growth potential, while Quebec City remains a fan favorite but is unlikely to get a team soon; some players also expressed openness to Arizona and Atlanta.
• On player trade demands with limited no-movement clause waivers, players emphasize communication and honesty, viewing such moves as business decisions rather than personal affronts.
• Local taxes are considered a significant factor by many players when negotiating contracts, especially for high earners, though some prioritize team quality and personal happiness over financial considerations.
• Opinions on the NHL’s next $20 million player varied, with some predicting Cale Makar (who has since signed a record contract), others naming Connor McDavid, and a few favoring younger stars like Quinn Hughes; players also shared diverse preferences for coaches and market environments, with mixed views on the use of advanced stats in self-evaluation.