Player Agent Dan Milstein explains why the Hurricanes draft so many Russian Players
July 28, 2025
Player Agent Dan Milstein explains why the Hurricanes draft so many Russian Players
5 comments
Only one “Dundon cheap” comment in the original r/hockey thread.
It’s a singular perspective in what is probably a multi-reasoned question but is inherently really interesting to hear.
I’d also wager that they feel like Russia is an untapped source for quality talent. There’s barriers in place but if you’re comfortable with navigating them you’re getting first crack at some higher end talent.
Teams that historically do this in other sports end up with some pretty strong results. Teams like the Dodgers have been at the forefront in places like the Dominican in the ‘70s/‘80’s and Japan in modern times.
OK, so labor economics. Tulsky carrying on the tradition. I think they are tough and have cool sounding names too.
If I was a Russian fan, I would imagine that it’s also nice to know the young talent isn’t immediately leaving my favorite club team to the NHL
I think it also has to do with where the canes draft and that we have a Russian scout. The canes are picking late rounds and routinely trade down, Russians are not always as well scouted as NA players for example I don’t think Columbus has a Russian scout so how will they know about gems in the draft? I’m sure there is also some data tulsky has that tell him in later rounds the Russian players tend to hit at a higher rate than NA skaters and it’s particularly true of Goalies.
Care-o-lena, seriously though great video and explanation, it can’t hurt to do this, especially if we get high end talent out of it.
5 comments
Only one “Dundon cheap” comment in the original r/hockey thread.
It’s a singular perspective in what is probably a multi-reasoned question but is inherently really interesting to hear.
I’d also wager that they feel like Russia is an untapped source for quality talent. There’s barriers in place but if you’re comfortable with navigating them you’re getting first crack at some higher end talent.
Teams that historically do this in other sports end up with some pretty strong results. Teams like the Dodgers have been at the forefront in places like the Dominican in the ‘70s/‘80’s and Japan in modern times.
OK, so labor economics. Tulsky carrying on the tradition. I think they are tough and have cool sounding names too.
If I was a Russian fan, I would imagine that it’s also nice to know the young talent isn’t immediately leaving my favorite club team to the NHL
I think it also has to do with where the canes draft and that we have a Russian scout. The canes are picking late rounds and routinely trade down, Russians are not always as well scouted as NA players for example I don’t think Columbus has a Russian scout so how will they know about gems in the draft? I’m sure there is also some data tulsky has that tell him in later rounds the Russian players tend to hit at a higher rate than NA skaters and it’s particularly true of Goalies.
Care-o-lena, seriously though great video and explanation, it can’t hurt to do this, especially if we get high end talent out of it.