Gary Bettman's New NHL Rule Changes Could Hurt the Maple Leafs in a Big Way
Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
With the new NHL CBA rule changes implemented in 2026-27, Canadian teams are going to have a tough time with free agents, and it's all thanks to Gary Bettman.
Things are going to look a lot different come the 2026-27 NHL season as the new CBA kicks in and with that comes a slew of new rules, regulations and restrictions when it comes to NHL teams.
One of the big focal points is that of the new playoff salary cap, where teams can no longer utilize free reign to stack the roster in time for a deep postseason run.
Why the NHL's Latest CBA Tweaks Could Disadvantage Canadian Teams
But another new rule coming in is that of contract bonuses, and a new taxation when it comes to signing them.
According to an article from Forbes, the new tax rule on salary cap bonuses is going to hinder those who are going to want to sign north of the border:
Under the old CBA, all of a player's contract could be comprised of signing bonuses except for the CBA mandated yearly minimum salary.
That has changed. The new CBA limits bonuses to 60% of a contract.
Why does this matter?
The Canadian tax on signing bonuses for non-residents of Canada is limited to 15%, with the player then paying the balance owing at the prevailing tax rate in his home state in the United States.
So while a player who claims to be a resident of a U.S. state pays taxes in both Canada and the U.S., the combined tax savings is significant, potentially saving the player millions of dollars over the term of the contract.
That has changed. The new CBA limits bonuses to 60% of a contract.
Why does this matter?
The Canadian tax on signing bonuses for non-residents of Canada is limited to 15%, with the player then paying the balance owing at the prevailing tax rate in his home state in the United States.
So while a player who claims to be a resident of a U.S. state pays taxes in both Canada and the U.S., the combined tax savings is significant, potentially saving the player millions of dollars over the term of the contract.
But now, as opposed to having the majority of a contract signed through bonuses, in which the players would only be taxed 15% on such a bonus; they lose 35% of potential income through tax.
That's huge for players who would otherwise sign here, as the chance to play in a lower tax state is definitely more appealing now that their bonuses are slashed.
What the New Rule Means for Toronto's Competitive Edge This Season
It also means bad news for the Maple Leafs, who are quite possibly one of the more polarizing franchises in all of sports.
If they want to sign some heavy hitters, they won't be able to have the luxury of stacking their team with minimal salaries but massive bonuses.
Take in point Auston Matthews' deal. He makes $53-million on his current deal; with $49.65-million in bonuses; that's a 94% discount and with the current tax rate only 15% with nothing else to cover it, he walks away with a lot more money.
What of players who are going to be looking for new teams? At one point, Toronto was a desirable destination. Now? It feels everyone is trying to run away.
It also means that if the team wants to win they need to go all-in now and make sure they stack their team and get those bonuses out now as opposed to wait and perhaps miss out on several names with the new rules.
It's going to make it eve tougher for the Maple Leafs to get deals done, and it feels like just another roadblock in their quest for a Stanley Cup.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 28 | 1265 ANSWERS Gary Bettman's New NHL Rule Changes Could Hurt the Maple Leafs in a Big Way Are Canadian teams in danger of losing out on free agents because of the new CBA? | ||
| Yes | 1136 | 89.8 % |
| No | 129 | 10.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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