The NHL is home to some of the best and toughest front offices in professional sports. But who are the top dogs when it comes to dealing with players, and what can the league do to improve its overall image and revenue?
When it comes to getting an unvarnished opinion on the NHL, agents are the go-to source. They represent players across multiple teams and divisions, giving them a unique perspective on the business side of hockey. Recently, 19 agents were polled by The Athletic on key questions facing the league and its future, providing valuable insights into the inner workings of the NHL.
One of the most pressing issues facing the NHL, according to agents, is marketing. The league has struggled to effectively sell the game, its star players, and attract new audiences. Agents believe that the NHL needs to focus more on promoting player personalities and improving the viewing experience for fans. Additionally, concerns were raised about the playoff format, scheduling, player safety, and the de-centralization of the draft.
In terms of front offices, the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars were highlighted as organizations with strong leadership, culture, and success on and off the ice. Owners like Jeff Vinik of the Lightning and Ryan Smith of the Utah Jazz and the Edmonton Oilers were praised for their hands-off approach and commitment to building winning teams.
On the flip side, the Buffalo Sabres were singled out as the most unstable and poorly run franchise in the NHL, with decades of mediocrity and a lack of on-ice success. Other teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and Nashville Predators were criticized for mismanagement, lack of direction, and inconsistent performance.
When it comes to dealing with front offices, agents pointed to individuals like Tampa GM Julien Brisebois, Minnesota GM Bill Guerin, and Dallas GM Jim Nill as reasonable, honest, and player-friendly. However, front offices like the New York Islanders and Anaheim Ducks were seen as tough and difficult to negotiate with, due to their old-school mentality and strong personalities.
In terms of ownership, Jeff Vinik of the Lightning was hailed as the best owner in the NHL, known for his commitment to the team and the community. On the other hand, Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon was criticized for his micromanagement and leadership style, making him the worst owner according to agents.
Looking ahead to the next CBA negotiations, agents highlighted concerns about escrow, salary cap adjustments, and player revenue sharing. They also raised under-the-radar issues like tax regimes, travel logistics, and signing bonuses that should be addressed in future discussions.
Overall, agents are in favor of expanding the NHL to new markets like Houston, Atlanta, and Quebec City, to create more opportunities for players and fans. They also suggested adjustments to the schedule, such as reducing the number of games and adding play-in games to make the season more exciting and competitive.
In conclusion, agents play a crucial role in shaping the future of the NHL, providing valuable insights and perspectives on key issues facing the league. By listening to their feedback and implementing positive changes, the NHL can continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.
