Where will Seattle rank as a free agent destination?

[Fistfullofbeer]

In hearing about UFAs (and RFAs) talking with other teams, the things many players are looking for include:

• Chance to win the Stanley Cup
• Chance to play with great players, for great coach/GM
• Work culture (tightness/family of players, supported by Hockey Ops staff, etc.; respect to/from coach/GM)
• Great fans
• Good family neighborhood, great schools
• Weather, cost of living, city/region attributes/activities
• Hockey biz ($$, term)

Those first four are pretty much unknown today. We know the last may have to be competitive or bonus laden to get UFAs to sign there until things are established.

As a resident of the Seattle area, who does NOT really support any Seattle teams, I can definitely say that great fans should not be an issue. Unless the team stinks it up like the Mariners have over the last decade the hockey team should have a really good fanbase.

 

[Toomany7pins]

For the time being the state would love to force a state income tax on the people.

Absolutely they would but it’s not going to happen.