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Brad Marchand Explains Why Connor McDavid Won't Sign With the Toronto Maple Leafs


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Alexander Cole
September 18, 2025  (1:20 PM)
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Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand
Photo credit: Imagn Images

Brad Marchand just revealed why he signed with the Florida Panthers, and this is a problem for the Toronto Maple Leafs' pursuit of Oilers star Connor McDavid.

All three players were able to take less money, and they all did it by choice. But why? Well, in the eyes of many, it had to do with Florida being a no-tax state.
While the NHL does not see this as a real issue, it is becoming as clear as day that the players do, in fact, care about paying less taxes whenever possible.

Brad Marchand gets real about the Florida Panthers

Recently, Brad Marchand spoke to the media about his decision to remain in Florida, and he went maskless, saying that the no-tax state situation helped out the team tremendously.
It was a truly telling statement that should have a lot of teams throughout the NHL up in arms.
Call it a spade of spade, if we were not in a non-tax state, it wouldn't have worked out probably for two guys (him, Bennett, Ekblad). Two guys probably would have been leaving in that situation. So it's a benefit that this team has, we were able to utilize and make work.
For the Toronto Maple Leafs, this is the last thing you wanted to hear. They want to go after Connor McDavid, and that is going to become much tougher if the players really do care that much about taxes.
After living in Edmonton, McDavid would certainly love a no-tax state like Dallas, Florida, Tampa Bay, or hell, even the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
This creates a major problem for the Maple Leafs and the entire NHL as a whole. All things considered, it is refreshing to see Brad Marchand admit it.
Whether or not the NHL tries to do anything, remains to be seen.
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Brad Marchand Explains Why Connor McDavid Won't Sign With the Toronto Maple Leafs

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