So you think JT goes to TO if they are the trash team post lockout? They haven't even won a playoff round in decade+. I think you're fooling yourself if you really think tax/weather is nothing more than minor factors. Roster makeup is huge IMO. Winning team means little unless there are stars accompanying them. No big name UFA signed in Nashville...they left them. Even Weber was ready to jump ship even though those Preds teams had great regular seasons.
JT wouldn't have went there, like Stamkos. But I think for Montreal not only do they need to be winning the other factors are even greater. We had PK, we had Price, we had Max, we made an ECF and finished 2nd in the NHL and all we can come up with is a washed up Brier and a washed up Semin?
I could say the same that you are fooling yourself if you really think that tax/weather/language is nothing more than a minor factor.
A disaster team will have a harder time attracting UFA. A disaster team in a great city with low taxes will have it easier. A good team in a great city with low taxes will have it even easier. LA/NY/TOR will always be attractive because they are big name cities. Montreal isn't on that list. The name Montreal doesn't make people jump like people on this board think.
So even if the team is winning and doing great the hurdles of taxes, language, media and weather are still big enough barriers IMO to make Montreal one of the least desirable cities to play in. Look we aren't Buffalo or Edmonton here but regardless of the habs record we aren't in the top tier either.
