Why don't Canadian hockey players want to playin Canada?

[RainbowsAndCottonCandy]

I read a lot of comments on TSN and blogs with Canadian bloggers and the fans up there keep complaining that "their boys" don't want to come back home and play hockey. I can think of a few reason you wouldn't want to play up there but looking at Parise and Suter going to Minnesota without a prime chance to win a cup right away there I am kind of confused. I know that if they were to be paid in Canada they would have to pay much higher taxes and this would be a major issue for me. I also realize that there is more scrutiny of players north of the boarder as well, this could be something a player wouldn't want to deal with.

The most recent example is Rick Nash naming 6 teams he is willing to be traded to and none of them being in Canada. People were calling him unpatriotic and making comments like, "He should never be allowed to play for Team Canada again."

But then, Roberto Luongo limits his list to 2-3 teams...but one of the is in Canada so they are ok with this...almost saying that he has earned the right to want traded out of Vancouver but Nash hasn't earned the right to be traded out of Columbus and he should be left to rot.

I just wanted to see what everyone else's take on Canadian players not wanting to play in Canada is, and why you think they don't want to.

Thanks,

RACC

[JoseCuervo]

because they have tasted the sweet, sweet freedom of america

[newarenanow]

Isn't Parise American?

[mikey287]

In the OP, there is one instance of this and it's Rick Nash. Parise and Suter are Americans and moving closer to home. Luongo you said everything was fine. So, the proper title should be, "Why doesn't Rick Nash want to play in Canada?" until further proof arises...

[Mongoose87]

They don't want to play in Toronto and Montreal because they don't feel like having their choice of socks questioned.

[viva la ben]

Wait we're talking about Canadian ice hockey players right?

[darkstar57]

I think a lot of it has to do with the individual players, some players don't like the media attention that exists in the Canadian market, its a lot of pressure playing under the media spotlight, the only real example in the US is like a baseball player playing for the yankees. Some guys who are great players go to NY and crack under teh pressure and can't take the 24/7 not stop of it.

[newarenanow]

Some guys who are great players go to NY and crack under teh pressure and can't take the 24/7 not stop of it.

ie. Randy Johnson

[meow]

Justin Schultz sure wanted to stay in Canada.

[PenguinSteve-o]

- Because if you arent producing they way the fans think you should in Canada then the fans will be hatin on you hardcore.
- Traveling for away games can be longer.
- Canadian teams stink.
- 2 anthems before every song will get boring.
- Being straight edge and playing in Canada with all that beer can be difficult.
- Annoying to always have change in your pocket and with the fun money.
- To much snow means buying bigger cars/trucks = lower gas milage = higher cost to own a car

[Digitalgypsy66]

Don't forget that it's cheaper to live/work in the U.S., for the most part. No state income tax in Florida and Texas (Jagr's no fool, lol) for instance.

[Pitt87]

One reason: