More reports that NHL players don't want to play in Canada

The past two seasons have been difficult for the NHL, no doubt.

But, while life has seemingly marched on for the majority of the league's teams, those north of the border are still wading through uncertain waters. With nearly every Canadian team facing COVID-19 crowd restrictions, teams are bleeding money fast. In a league that relies on the 7 Canadian teams to provide over one-third of the entire league's revenue, that's a problem for all teams. And here's the thing... the players have had enough...

Playing on a Canadian team has always had its pros and cons, but the disparity between the teams north of the border and south of the border has never been as apparent as it is now. Not only are Canadian teams playing to mostly empty buildings, but they also get taxed much higher than most of their American counterparts and they have to deal with ridiculous media scrutiny. See the exchange between Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl and Edmonton Journal reporter Jim Matheson for proof of the latter.

Now, Sportsnet reporter Elliotte Friedman reports that an anonymous player feels the Draisaitl/Matheson exchange doesn't happen in an American locale.

From Friedman's most recent 31 Thoughts column for Sportsnet:

7. This thought could go really badly, but it’s relevant. One player wondered if that reporter-player exchange doesn’t happen south of the border, simply because NHLers feel life is a little less stressful there.

- Elliotte Friedman

Hard to disagree, honestly.

Sure, there are American teams with some tough media members. Some cities where, when things are going bad it can be difficult to live a normal life. But... let's get real. Compare those places to Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal and it's not even in the same universe... 

Conversely, on some American teams in non-traditional or Southern markets the players can live their lives in relative anonymity. Oh... and they get to keep more of their money to boot. Oh... and the arena is packed on a good night. I mean... I don't really blame players for wanting to head south for greener pastures and this is coming from a proud Canadian hockey fan.