Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman, Jake Gardiner, is in the final year of his three-year entry-level deal. It should thus come as no surprise that the former Wisconsin Badger recently swapped agents as he nears a new contract this upcoming off-season. Whether it is the NHL, NFL, or any of the other major professional leagues, it seems to be a common occurrence for players to move from one agency to the next prior to a significant contract negotiation.
According to Sports Business Journal, Gardiner will be represented by NHLPA Certified Contract Advisors, Pat Brisson and Chris Lacombe, of Creative Artists Agency. Octagon Hockey formerly represented Gardiner.
“Jake is a good, young player and we are excited to be working with him,” Brisson said. “Adding a good player like Jake, whose career is really just starting, to our client roster is important for us to maintain our business.”
Drafted 17th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, the Minneapolis, Minn. native made the 2011-12 NHL All-Rookie Team after tallying seven goals and 23 assists in 75 games.
Brisson said that it’s premature to discuss the length of Gardiner’s future contract in addition to if he’ll stay in Toronto or head elsewhere. In the current season, Gardiner has recorded five goals and 12 assists through 56 games.
Creative Artists Agency’s client roster includes the Detroit Red Wings Niklas Kronwall, the New York Islanders John Tavares, and the Winnipeg Jets Andrew Ladd. In 2013, Forbes.com listed CAA’s Sports Division as the world’s No. 2 most valuable NHL agency behind Newport Sports Management. CAA has roughly $900 million worth of contracts under management.