Another example of how real estate can affect hockey free agents surfaced this week. When the National Hockey League’s general managers met in Florida, one of the topics of conversation was the law regarding foreign buyers (of properties that is) which went into effect on January 1.
In brief, the new federal law forbids foreigners from buying homes unless — among other requirements — they had work visas or filed taxes in Canada in three of the last four years.
Canadian-born players and free agents who played for Canadian teams and met those requirements would be okay. 
Free agents who played for U.S. teams likely would not qualify to buy a home in this country. Free agents do have families that need places to live; a free agent also has significant resources to buy a home for his family.
Free agents who played for U.S. teams likely would not qualify to buy a home in this country. Free agents do have families that need places to live; a free agent also has significant resources to buy a home for his family.Put it this way:
If the Vancouver Canucks wanted to sign a big-name, foreign-born free agent with a wife and three kids, to a long-term contract, buying a home in the Lower Mainland would be logical. If that free agent was coming from one of the NHL’s 25 teams, he may not be eligible.
Thus, it could be an impediment in attracting free agents to Canadian teams. How much of an impediment depends on which player agent is volunteering an opinion.
In Florida, the NHL general managers were wondering aloud if there should be an exemption for hockey players.