American Stars Flock to US Teams, Raising Alarm in Canada
The Brady Tkachuk trade has sparked a broader conversation about why American NHL talent prefers U.S. franchises and what that means for Canadian clubs. The trend now threatens to reshape the league’s binational balance.
clubs, a shift that could reshape the NHL’s cross‑border balance. Since Tkachuk’s move, two more high‑profile Americans have crossed the border: Quinn Hughes, now with a Seattle franchise, and Dylan Larkin, who signed with the Detroit Red Wings. ‑based teams offering lifestyle, market exposure, and endorsement opportunities that Canadian markets struggle to match.
teams retain 75% of local media revenue versus 50% for Canadian clubs, creating a financial disparity that fuels the exodus of American talent. Montreal Canadiens president Jeff Gorton acknowledged the pattern in a press briefing, noting that while the trend is “a concern,” it does not jeopardize the Canadiens’ ability to attract and retain American talent. markets.
