Sometimes when star athletes have breakout seasons, those individuals jump ship to bigger sports agencies that can offer a heightened level of services. Similarly, those more well-known agencies — more times than not — have a larger footprint in their respective sport, and as a result, can leverage not only their name but also their business relationships to benefit their clients.
While it’s merely speculation, such might have been the case for Max Pacioretty, a power forward for the Montreal Canadiens. In 2013-14, he scored a career-high 39 goals in his sixth NHL season. Two years ago, he signed a six-year extension with the Canadiens that will keep him north of the border through the 2018-19 season.
Recently, the New Canaan, Connecticut native left NHL Certified Contract Advisor Alec Schall (Legacy Global Sports) for global agency, Creative Artists Agency. The former University of Michigan standout will be represented by sports agents Pat Brisson, Jim Nice and Judd Moldaver, according to sports business reporter Liz Mullen.
“I have enjoyed a successful partnership with Max since he became a professional hockey player,” Schall wrote to SportsBusiness Journal. “While Max has new representation, he remains a close friend, and we maintain a positive working relationship. I will continue to assist Max for the duration of his career and beyond.”
While Legacy Global Sports represents a number of NHLers, including forward James van Riemsdyk (Toronto Maple Leafs) and defenseman Alec Martinez (Los Angeles Kings), it’s certainly hard to compete with one of the world’s most valuable NHL agencies that represents the likes of Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks), Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks) and John Tavares (New York Islanders).