Why Tax Rules Could Complicate a Carey Price Trade

Trade chatter around Carey Price is heating up again, with Marco DAmico of RG.rog suggesting that a deal could take place in the next few days.

With Prices bonus out of the way, it does make sense that a few teams would be open to acquiring Prices contract, but a surprising factor could complicate any deal: taxes.

With Price set to receive a $5.5 million signing bonus this weekend, his contract becomes even more appealing to teams looking for cap relief.

After the bonus is paid, he carries just a $2 million salary while still accounting for a $10.5 million cap hit a valuable tool for franchises trying to reach the salary cap floor without spending real money.

Teams like San Jose or Chicago have been floated as potential destinations, and Price has said in the past hed waive his no-trade clause if it helped the Canadiens.

But according to NHL insider Jeff Marek , theres a possibility that tax rules could affect his willingness to move.

Marek writes, Ive always wanted to see a player refuse to waive his no-trade clause as the team tries to move his contact as we expect here.

He adds: There is a scenario, I think, where a player agreeing to waive would end up paying more taxes with the new team.

But I dont know how taxes work for a player who cant play but is getting paid.

Is he still taxed according to the teams home/road sked or just where hes living? Some fans and analysts have speculated that, depending on how the NHL handles taxation for players on LTIR, a trade could leave Price facing a higher tax burden in certain U.S.

states compared to Quebec.

Alternatively, if he were traded to a team with no state tax, could he take home more? Will This Affect a Price Trade and What Hes Willing to Accept? As theyve done in the past, Montreal could place Price on LTIR, using his cap hit to create roster flexibility.

But for other clubs, adding his contract could provide similar strategic value if Price agrees to the move.

DAmico reports that a trade is coming, but theres no indication a deal is imminent.

It will be intriguing to see if reports surface about where he could be headed and how much of a role he plays in a deal, even if he never steps foot in the city to which hes dealt.

Perhaps trading the beloved Canadiens goaltender isnt as straightforward as it looks on paper.

Whether Price prioritizes helping Montreal or protecting his financial interests remains to be seen.

Whether it actually matters or not is another storyline to watch..

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