Which NHL front offices are the best and toughest to deal with? Who are the owners known for taking care of players’ needs? What improvements does the league need to make?
Asking players these questions can yield valuable insights, but their exposure to organizations outside their own is limited. Some players may also avoid expressing controversial opinions, even anonymously.
For an unbiased opinion on the NHL, agents are the experts to talk to. They represent multiple players across various teams and divisions, interacting with players, agents, and general managers regularly. Agents have in-depth knowledge of the business side of hockey.
Recently, The Athletic conducted a poll of 19 agents who collectively represent hundreds of NHL player contracts. These agents provided candid responses to 10 key questions facing the league and its future. Their anonymity allowed for honest feedback.
1. What is the area the NHL can improve the most?
According to agents, the NHL’s main area for improvement is marketing. The league is perceived to fall short in promoting the game, its star players, attracting new audiences, and increasing hockey-related revenue. Some agents acknowledged the success of recent events like the 4 Nations Face-Off but felt more marketing efforts are needed.
Agents highlighted the NBA and NFL as examples of leagues excelling in player promotion. However, they also noted challenges in promoting player personalities within the NHL due to the players’ humble nature.
Agents also pointed out the need to enhance live game experiences for TV viewers and criticized the lack of variety in game scheduling and key events. Some other areas agents suggested for improvement included playoff formats, playoff field expansions, and player safety standards.
Overall, agents feel the NHL has room for improvement in various aspects to enhance the league’s growth and reach.
1. What is the area the NHL can improve the most?
According to agents, the NHL’s main area for improvement is marketing. The league is perceived to fall short in promoting the game, its star players, attracting new audiences, and increasing hockey-related revenue. Some agents acknowledged the success of recent events like the 4 Nations Face-Off but felt more marketing efforts are needed.
Agents highlighted the NBA and NFL as examples of leagues excelling in player promotion. However, they also noted challenges in promoting player personalities within the NHL due to the players’ humble nature.
Agents also pointed out the need to enhance live game experiences for TV viewers and criticized the lack of variety in game scheduling and key events. Some other areas agents suggested for improvement included playoff formats, playoff field expansions, and player safety standards.
Overall, agents feel the NHL has room for improvement in various aspects to enhance the league’s growth and reach.