Longtime NHL Player Agent Jay Grossman Remembered as Friend to Clients

Grossman, who died last month after a battle with lung cancer, represented stars like Ilya Kovalchuk and Pekka Rinne during his career.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:00am

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A fractured, geometric painting in bold colors that captures the dynamic energy and multiple perspectives of NHL player contract negotiations.The complex, multifaceted work of an NHL player agent is captured in a Cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the negotiations and relationships between players, teams, and representatives.Today in Nashville

Jay Grossman, a longtime NHL player agent who represented stars like Ilya Kovalchuk and Pekka Rinne, passed away last month at the age of 60 after a battle with lung cancer. Grossman was remembered by his clients and colleagues as more than just an agent, but a true friend who went to bat for his players and mentored the next generation of agents.

Why it matters

Grossman's passing marks the end of an era for NHL player representation, as he was known as one of the most respected and tenacious agents in the league. His willingness to fight for his clients' best interests, even when it meant going against the NHL, made him a beloved figure among the players he represented.

The details

Grossman negotiated a 17-year, $102 million contract for Ilya Kovalchuk with the New Jersey Devils in 2010, though it was ultimately rejected by the NHL for salary cap circumvention. Grossman then worked with the Devils to restructure the deal to a 15-year, $100 million contract that was approved. He also helped Pekka Rinne negotiate a two-year, $10 million contract extension with the Nashville Predators in 2018 after Rinne initially tried to represent himself.

  • Grossman negotiated the Kovalchuk contract with the Devils in 2010.
  • Kovalchuk helped the Devils reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2012 before returning to Russia to play in 2013.
  • Grossman negotiated Rinne's two-year, $10 million contract extension with the Predators in 2018.
  • Grossman passed away last month at the age of 60 after a battle with lung cancer.

The players

Jay Grossman

A longtime NHL player agent who represented stars like Ilya Kovalchuk and Pekka Rinne during his career. Grossman was known for his tenacity in fighting for his clients' best interests, even when it meant going against the NHL.

Ilya Kovalchuk

A former NHL player who Grossman represented. Grossman negotiated a 17-year, $102 million contract for Kovalchuk with the New Jersey Devils in 2010, though it was ultimately rejected by the NHL.

Pekka Rinne

An NHL goaltender who Grossman represented. Grossman helped Rinne negotiate a two-year, $10 million contract extension with the Nashville Predators in 2018 after Rinne initially tried to represent himself.

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What they’re saying

“If you could find another agent that that was willing to sit out with a player for almost two full seasons and stand there with them to fight to get that player's value, I'd love to meet them. Nikolai Khabibulin wasn't going to settle for less than his worth, and Jay was right there with him.”

— Akuila Osei-Tutu, Grossman's colleague and partner

“I didn't really know everything that goes into being an agent and me trying to represent myself I was way out of my water. That was an eye-opener for me too, to just the work they do and the knowledge they have the preparation that goes into negotiating and everything like that. I think I took it for granted a little bit. So, he was a crucial part of getting that deal done.”

— Pekka Rinne, NHL goaltender

The takeaway

Grossman's passing marks the end of an era for NHL player representation, as he was known as one of the most respected and tenacious agents in the league. His willingness to fight for his clients' best interests, even when it meant going against the NHL, made him a beloved figure among the players he represented and a mentor to the next generation of agents.