Canadiens’ Alex Newhook Calls Out NHLers Who Refuse to Sign in Canada Over Taxes

PUBLICATION

Tom Banks
July 30, 2025  (8:11 PM)

Alex Newhook of the Montreal Canadiens.

Photo credit: NHL.com

Alex Newhook has found a home in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens, and now the young forward has called out players avoiding Canada over the tax situation.

In Canada, it’s no secret that hockey is a way of life, and for so many young kids growing up all across the country, the goal is nothing but lifting the Stanley Cup high above their heads.

Over the past 32 years, it’s only been done by teams playing in the United States, and with the tax situation currently in Canada, seven of the top 11 teams for most taxes taken on salary being from North of the border.

Taxes Complicating Signings and Extensions for Canadian Teams

That has driven away so many players, even those who passionately wear the Maple Leaf on their chest during international play, but one player that loves it there is Alex Newhook, who has confidently called out players who dodge the taxes and the spotlight of playing in Canada.

“I think around the league it’s definitely a factor, it’s probably becoming more of a factor. But I think the narrative of not playing in Canada because of the taxes gets overvalued.

We talk about that. How would you pass up on being in a market like Montreal, where it’s a Tuesday or Monday night but it feels like a Saturday in everyone else’s building. That’s something that we don’t take for granted”

Unfortunately, the new NHL CBA won’t make it easier on players north of the border when it comes to taxes, but for Newhook, the chance to play in front of a passionate fanbase should outweigh all of that.

Ultimately, players have different reasons for playing at the professional level, so for some that means simply as much money as possible, while others take into account the love and the passion of the fans, something that is clearly a priority for Newhook in Montreal.

Previously on HouseOfHockey

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Canadiens’ Alex Newhook Calls Out NHLers Who Refuse to Sign in Canada Over Taxes

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