This new NHL rule could turn Dallas into a free agent goldmine

The NHL's new collective bargaining agreement is reshaping player contracts, and teams like the Dallas Stars in tax-friendly Texas could become major winners in free agency.

Under the old CBA, a player's contract could be almost entirely built around signing bonuses, apart from the league's minimum salary. Those bonuses came with a huge perk for U.S.-based players: a 15% tax rate in Canada, followed by the balance taxed in their home state, often saving millions over the life of a deal.

Now, with the new CBA capping signing bonuses at 60% of any contract, those tax loopholes are shrinking. For teams in high-tax markets, this makes it harder to compete. But for no-income-tax states like Texas, it could be a major recruiting tool.

The Dallas Stars could use the new bonus limits to lure top talent and save players millions

With fewer ways for players to dodge heavy Canadian tax bills, teams like the Stars can pitch their built-in tax advantage more aggressively.

One NHL agent told Reuters:

"When you cap bonuses, you're forcing players to look harder at where they'll actually take home the most money. States like Texas will stand out even more."

Even ESPN noted that bonus restrictions could create a subtle shift in player destinations, pushing stars toward markets where their paychecks stretch further.

For players looking to sign long-term deals, this rule change could shift how agents structure contracts and even how teams pitch their market.

With Texas offering no state income tax, the Stars can highlight how much more money players actually keep compared to signing with Canadian teams or clubs in states like California or New York, where tax rates can cut deeply into salaries.

For Dallas, already a desirable spot with a contending roster, warm weather, and no state income tax, this new rule might make it even easier to land elite free agents or retain current stars like Jason Robertson long-term.

Source: New NHL CBA Will Make It Tougher For Canadian Teams To Compete