Nashville Predators: Nashville a destination city for free agents

Nashville. Music City. It has long been viewed as a place to visit. A place rich in country music history. Now, it is a place free agents consider.

Laid in the middle of Tennessee, the skyline of the state’s capitol, Nashville, hides amongst the hills. It is an awesome sight, driving east on Interstate 24 into the metro area. Hills and traffic everywhere, and then you come around a curve to be greeted by the skyline. Batman building, construction cranes, and all.

Known for its connection with country music, “Music City,” is also the home of music copyright and publishing companies. But there is more to it than just music. Now, I am not a native resident of Nashville, but grew up just two-hours north in a small Kentucky town. You won’t hear me singing that blasted song that is the Tennessee favorite, but I have been around enough to know a few things about this place.

For one, it has changed greatly over the last 25 years. The population of Nashville-Davidson county alone is over 700, 000 now. That may not sound like a great amount, however, that is up 200k in 20 years. In the last two years alone, over 30,000 people per year have moved here. That explains the traffic.

Now, it is an energetic, vibrant, and culturally amazing place. And star free agents in hockey will give it a good look moving forward. Why? Let me explain.

Celebrities flocking here to hide

It is not New York City or Los Angeles, yet celebrities are moving to the Metro-Nashville area in great numbers. Sure, you are likely to see more stars of country music while at the Mall of Green Hills, but there are several others that are enjoying the quiet, secluded life that this area offers.

Like whom? Glad you asked.

Currently, Nashville boasts homes for people like Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, Kristin Cavallari, Marren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini, and Young Buck.

Of course, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill live here. So does Martina McBride, Alan Jackson, and many others. But with Nashville Predators’ center Mike Fisher being married to Carrie Underwood, free agents superstars will find a good place to call home in Nashville.

The culture and food

I cannot say this enough: if you like food, Nashville is the place for you. There is a bit of everything here, and most all of it good. You can travel around several parts of town and see lines of people waiting for the restaurant to open. People even wake up early to get in line for pancakes here.

The food treasure here is not pizza or barbecue, but something called Hot Chicken. Now, do not be fooled by imitators. You can go to chain restaurants that will tell you they have Nashville Hot Chicken. It is not. Not even close. If the chicken has sauce on it, it is not Hot Chicken. Come find a place like Hattie B’s and experience what I mean. Just remember, it is called Hot Chicken for a reason.

Want something else? You can find it. Great burgers, pizzas, tacos, and food trucks galore. Plus, many establishments have live local artist playing on their stages. There is even a great funk band that plays in the Art District on Saturday nights.

Oh, and there are the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Sounds, Adventure Science Museum, the Parthenon, the Nashville Symphony, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Bonnaroo, and many other great places for entertainment.

And, the Nashville Predators.

No state taxes

It may not seem like a big deal to many people, but it should be to free agent stars looking to sign a major deal. Now, this part of the article will call for some math, so if you need a cup of coffee or Dr. Pepper before you continue, get it. I will wait.

Yep, waiting. Just sitting here until you are ready.

Oh, you are back. Hey! Okay. Break out the numbers.

For ease of mind, let’s go with the contract of P.K. Subban. Currently, he enjoys a salary of $9 million, with a bonus of $2 million. That makes $11 million total. Still with me?

So, of that $11 million, Subban pays (or is withheld, not the place for that debate) $0 annually to the State of Tennessee in income taxes while playing for the Nashville Predators. If he were with the Chicago Blackhawks, the withholding would be $412,500 (3.75% rate). Or $1,463,000 (13.3% rate) in California. Or $660,000 in St. Louis (6% rate).

All said, taking home 68% of your check after Federal taxes are withheld is far better than 47% if Subban lived in Chicago. You can buy a lot of catfish with that money.

The people of Nashville

You have heard it said about people in the south all the time. They are just the most friendly folk around. Maybe it is the sweet tea (because unsweet tea is of the Devil), or the fact that the average temperature is 69 degrees, but people here are great.

Now, I will not lie and say everyone here is awesome. I do not know every single person here. What I can say is that from my interactions here and those with Nashville Predator fans, these people are great. Walking around downtown during Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, it was apparent the love this city has for the Predators.

Think about it for a moment. A city, in the heart of SEC country (not just football, but basketball and baseball are huge here as well), with an NFL franchise, is packing the streets in blue and yellow just to be part of the atmosphere.

If you watched any of the games this round, you were shown watch parties in the street around Bridgestone Arena. Let me say, there are at least four – if not more – of those massive screens set up around town for viewing. People crammed sidewalks and restaurants early and often to watch games. Most of them avoided the fist of Rex Ryan, too.

I say all of that to say this: Nashville LOVES the Predators. If a player wants to go somewhere with great energy, this is the place. Everyone is welcome.

Next: Subban must lead with head in Game 6.

Well, except Sidney Crosby, maybe.