Sign of the times? Why are top American players leaving their Canadian NHL teams?

Auston Matthews was a part of the gold-medal winning U.S. hockey team this year that has seen many of its top players request trades from their Canadian teams to American destinations. Chris Tanouye/Getty Images

With the Vancouver Canucks currently in the midst of a fully fledged rebuild, it’s worth remembering that only two years ago they were a win away from eliminating the Edmonton Oilers and reaching the Western Conference final.

Led by American stars Quinn Hughes and J.T. Miller, the team seemed set for a return to the playoffs at the very least the following season, building up to contender status and ultimate designs on that long-awaited first championship in franchise history.