Episode 57: NHL Agent Scott Bartlett - “Don’t Hire an Advisor Yet”

Episode 57: NHL Agent Scott Bartlett - “Don’t Hire an Advisor Yet”

From Crazy Hockey Dads Podcast by CHD Media

March 11, 2026 · 1h 44m · Episode 58

About this episode

Scott Bartlett discusses the importance of focusing on player development over early exposure in youth hockey.

Scott and Jamie sit down with Scott Bartlett , NHLPA-certified agent at Bartlett Hockey, for a behind-the-scenes look at how the hockey development path actually works. Bartlett represents more than 30 NHL players, including stars like Cale Makar . Scott explains why most families rush the process, especially when it comes to agents and exposure, and why most players don’t need an advisor before junior hockey age . Instead, he believes the focus should be on development, not exposure , and letting opportunities happen naturally if a player is on the right track. He also breaks down common youth hockey myths, including the idea that players must play AAA to be discovered. Scott shares his own experience being cut from a AAA team, dominating at AA the next year , and how that adversity actually helped his development. In this episode: Why most young players don’t need an agent yet Development vs. exposure in youth hockey The truth about AAA and getting “found” Why moving down a level can sometimes help development How NIL and the transfer portal are changing the path If you’re trying to understand the real path from youth hockey to juniors, college, and beyond, this episode offers…

People in this episode

Host: Jamie

Guest: Scott Bartlett

Topics covered

  • hockey development
  • youth hockey
  • NHL agents
  • player exposure
  • AAA hockey myths
  • development vs exposure

Keywords

  • NHL agent
  • youth hockey
  • development
  • exposure
  • AAA hockey
  • junior hockey
  • NIL
  • transfer portal

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bartlett Hockey

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