Agent Dan Milstein makes the case for valuing NHL players as individuals, highlighting Nikita Kucherov’s fierce, self-directed commitment to hockey. The conversation also challenges teams’ draft and talent-evaluation misses, while touching on trade speculation, Artem Zub’s free agency and news about Ivan Demidov and Evander Kane. Separately, the PWHL will test rule changes in the 2026-27 preseason, including allowing players to bat the puck with a high stick.

By the Numbers
  • The PWHL will test the changes in 12 preseason scrimmages.
  • Each scrimmage will include 3-on-3 overtime and a shootout, regardless of the score.
  • In overtime, teams can choose a penalty shot instead of a 4-on-3 power play after an opponent’s minor penalty.
Yes, But

Milstein’s comments are worth hearing, but the host notes that some of his takes—on general managers and player movement—may not land with Leafs fans. A potential Kucherov trade is especially far from simple: Tampa Bay would be unlikely to move a 100-point star unless its playoff hopes faded, and a deal could weaken the team.

State of Play
  • Toronto’s timeline to contend may be accelerating, with Easton Cowan’s play and Auston Matthews’ push adding urgency.
  • Milstein said Ivan Demidov has a fractured ankle and Evander Kane will play in the KHL; he also noted that Ottawa’s Artem Zub is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
  • The PWHL’s rule experiments are preseason-only for now.
What's Next

The PWHL will assess how its preseason experiments play out before deciding what rules to use in the regular season. NHL trade scenarios involving Dylan Larkin, Simon Edvinsson and Kucherov remain speculative; the discussion also raises whether Zub could be a summer target for Toronto.

Bottom Line

Great teams need more than systems and asset management: they need players whose individual drive can change a game. The challenge for teams is recognizing that talent—and building around it without mistaking a star’s independence for a problem.