NHL Rumors: Sens, Coyotes, Habs, Blues, Stamkos and Taxes
Steven Stamkos and PK Subban
Elliotte Friedman 30 Thoughts rumor roundup …

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Some coaching candidates for the Senators: Guy Boucher, Marc Crawford, Mike Yeo, Brent Flahr and Todd Nelson.

The Coyotes reached out to Friedman about his tweet saying they expressed interest in Maple Leafs assistant GM Kyle Dubas – they denied it. Friedman stands by his report. Stars Les Jackson (director of scouting and player development) has a history with Dave Tippett. Blackhawks assistant GM Norm MacIver could also be a candidate.

Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin likely wants to make a move, but as he said earlier this year “You don’t trade to fill a hole by making another hole.” If he trade P.K. Subban for a forward, what would their blueline end up looking like? Can’t see how they trade Subben, unless there is someone to fill the hole he would leave. Same goes for Max Pacioretty.

Drake Caggiula said his decision on whether to go pro or not could take up to a month. The Oilers, Senators, Canucks, and Blackhawks have had some interest.

Vladimir Sobotka’s injury may keep him out of the World Cup. There was talk that the Blues were interested in bringing him over for the playoffs before the injury.

Friedman wonders if the Oilers would be interested in Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman. Wideman was with Peter Chiarelli in Boston.

On Steven Stamkos and Taxes …

Michael Traikos of the Toronto Sun: According to Robert Raiola (sports tax guru) if Steven Stamkos signed a $10 million deal with the Maple Leafs, he would take home $4.3 million after taxes and agent fees. If he signed with Tampa bay for $8.5 million, he’d take home $4.6 million.

“In order for Stamkos to go to Canada, they would have to pay him a lot more money than what he would have gotten to stay in Tampa Bay,” said Raiola, a senior manager at O’Connor Davies LLP, who has professional sports clients throughout the country. “Do I think it factors into free agency? Absolutely. I think in any sport where you have a cap, the teams that don’t have a state tax have a huge advantage.”

Tax breakdown for each Province/state.

“Province/State/Team Tax rate

Ontario (Maple Leafs, Senators) 53.53%
Quebec (Canadiens) 53.31%
California (Ducks, Kings, Sharks) 52.9%
Manitoba (Jets) 50.4%
Minnesota (Wild) 49.45%
New Jersey (Devils) 48.57%
Washington, D.C. (Capitals) 48.55%
New York (Sabres, Islanders, Rangers) 48.42%
Alberta (Flames, Oilers) 48%
British Columbia (Canucks) 47.7%
Missouri (Blues) 45.6%
Tennessee (Predators) 45.6%
North Carolina (Hurricanes) 45.35%
Massachusetts (Bruins) 44.7%
Ohio (Blue Jackets) 44.6%
Colorado (Avalanche) 44.23
Arizona (Coyotes) 44.14%
Michigan (Red Wings) 43.85%
Illinois (Blackhawks) 43.35%
Pennsylvania (Flyers, Penguins) 42.67%
Florida (Panthers, Lightning) 39.6%
Texas (Stars) 39.6%”