New tax law change signals terrible news for the Seattle Kraken

There is a new law coming into effect in the state of Washington that takes away one of the unique recruiting opportunities of the Seattle Kraken for free agents.

A measure was passed that adds a 9.9% tax increase on households in the state earning more than $1 million, which is anticipated to generate up to $4 billion of revenue. This means that there will no longer be a tax advantage that states like Florida, Tennessee, Nevada and Texas have.

The Kraken have only made the playoffs once since joining the NHL as an expansion team in 2021, and this new law could make high profile free agents think twice on whether they'd like to sign with the team if they know they're going to be taxed now at a higher rate.

Many hockey fans feel that the certain teams that are in states with no state income taxes have an unfair advantage.

Five of the last six Stanley Cups have been won by Florida-based teams, starting with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, and then the Florida Panthers in 2024 and 2025.

In fact, the Panthers managed to re-sign their high-profile free agents like Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad, with all three players knowing that they will take home more on their deals than had they signed elsewhere with a higher tax rate.

Marchand admitted the tax advantage is why it was able to work for the Panthers to bring everyone back.

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