The reality is that teams in no tax states always have a more attractive offer for free agent players. With equal contracts offered between Nashville and for example Edmonton, a player takes home significantly more money from the Predators. For this reason, many fans and media members have been clamouring that some teams have unfair advantages that go against the goals of the salary cap. Since 2016, every Stanley Cup Final except one featured at least one team from a no tax state.
The next collective bargaining agreement for the NHL is on the horizon, after the 2025-2026 season. If the fans and media are already noticing the issue of parity due to income tax, teams and ownership are surely aware of it as well. Hopefully some form of income tax adjustment can be implemented to better achieve parity in the league.