Hockey star Brad Marchand re-signs with Florida Panthers, citing no income tax 

Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand said tax policy factored into his decision to sign a six-year contract worth $31.5 million with the team this past offseason.

“If we were not in a no-tax state, it wouldn’t work out, probably for two guys. Two guys probably would be leaving in that situation,” Marchand said at the team’s Sept. 17 media day. “That’s a benefit that this team has, that we(’re) able to utilize and make work. I’m thrilled to be here for the next six years.”

Florida is one of nine states without a personal income tax. Massachusetts, where Marchand spent most of his NHL career with the Boston Bruins, has a 5% income tax rate plus a 4% surtax on income above $1 million.

For someone earning $5.25 million annually, this means paying well over $2 million in state taxes over six years – money Marchand keeps by playing in Florida. 

Marchand is, perhaps ironically, a left wing who was traded from Boston to Florida at last season’s trade deadline. He scored 10 goals and had 10 assists in the playoffs as the Panthers won their second consecutive Stanley Cup. He now has two championships in his NHL career.

Marchand, 37, said he did not expect a deal with Florida to be possible.

“I honestly didn’t think there was a chance of it happening,” Marchand said. “I did not expect to be a Panther this year, if I’m being completely honest. I just didn’t think that it could work with everybody.”

The Panthers also re-signed Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad. Bennett, the Conn Smythe Award winner as playoff MVP, signed an eight-year, $64 million contract. Ekblad signed an eight-year contract worth $48.8 million, which could extend his time with the franchise to 19 years.

Altogether, the three players signed for $144.3 million. Bennett averages $8 million per year, Ekblad $6.1 million and Marchand $5.25 million.

Marchand said he only wanted a long-term deal.

“It’s part of why it didn’t work out in Boston,” he said. “It’s the main reason it didn’t work out in Boston.”

He also cited the Panthers’ facilities, winning roster and quality of life.

“Guys are just willing to take less to come here and be part of it and have a great lifestyle,” Marchand said.

Training camp began Sept. 18, as the Panthers hope to win a third straight Stanley Cup.