By “Kucherov Is the Best Player in the World”: Hockey Agent Dan Milstein on NHL Stars, Gold Star Camp and Hockey’s Next Generation
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – During the annual Gold Star pre-draft showcase in Fort Lauderdale, one of hockey’s most influential agents didn’t hesitate when asked who he believes is the best player in the NHL.
“In my opinion, he’s the best player in the world, and I don’t think many people would argue with that,” NHL agent Dan Milstein said of Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov.
The interview took place during Gold Star Camp, one of the premier pre-draft showcases in North America. Every summer, NHL executives, general managers, and scouts gather in South Florida to evaluate top European and Russian prospects before the NHL Draft. The 2026 edition once again attracted representatives from all 32 NHL clubs. Twenty-two young prospects represented by Dan Milstein and his company were selected at the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo.
Milstein, whose client list includes Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and many of the NHL’s top players, spoke with Daria Mironova about Kucherov’s relentless work ethic, Vasilevskiy’s award-winning season, and the importance of Gold Star Camp in developing future NHL talent.
“He’s Probably on the Ice Right Now”
Although fans only recently noticed Kucherov working with Hockey Hall of Famer Adam Oates after videos appeared on social media, Milstein says their partnership has existed for years.
“They’ve actually been working together for a long time. Nikita is a unique person. Even while we’re talking, he’s probably on the ice somewhere training,” Milstein said. “Every offseason, he prepares to come back better than he was the previous season. That’s simply who he is.”
Kucherov captured the second Hart Trophy of his career this season, while Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy earned his second Vezina Trophy.
Milstein said individual honors are meaningful, but they aren’t what drive elite competitors.
“I’m very happy for both Andrei and Nikita. They both deserved it,” he said. “But the biggest disappointment is always losing the final game of the season. Individual awards are great, but for players like them, winning the Stanley Cup is always the priority.”
He added that Kucherov’s Hart Trophy was well deserved. The Lightning star and his representatives knew about the award a few weeks prior it was publicly announced.
“In my opinion, he’s the kind of player who deserves to be in that conversation every single year.”
No Contract Speculation
With fans in Tampa Bay already wondering about Kucherov’s long-term future as his current contract moves closer to expiration, Milstein wasn’t interested in fueling speculation.
“He has a valid contract with Tampa Bay, so there’s nothing to discuss right now.”
Gold Star Camp’s Growing NHL Impact
Milstein also explained why Gold Star Camp has become one of the NHL’s most important pre-draft evaluation events.
“We had representatives from all 32 NHL clubs here,” he said. “Some organizations brought large scouting staffs. Our showcase in South Florida has become the one place where NHL teams can evaluate Russian and European prospects before the NHL Draft, so everyone wants to be here.”
While the 2026 NHL Draft has now concluded, Gold Star Camp once again demonstrated why it has become one of the league’s premier scouting destinations – bringing together NHL decision-makers and some of Europe’s top young talent in South Florida before one of hockey’s biggest weekends.
At the same time, no players from the GS pre-draft showcase were selected by the Lightning. Tampa Bay scouts interviewed a few of the guys, including the fast and furious Gleb Pugachyov, who was picked by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round (26th overall).
The Lightning invited many of their prospects to the Development Camp, which will start on Monday, June 30.
