Reports began to circulate Monday morning that teams are stepping up their security due to potential threats associated with Russian players and the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In addition, player agent Dan Milstein, who represents quite a few of the league’s Russian players, is reporting that his clients have received “real threats.”
On Monday morning TSN NHL insider Darren Dreger reported a conversation he had with NHL agent Milstein regarding “real threats” his players have received.
I just spoke with @HockeyAgent1. He has raised concerns of “real threats” to his Russian based clients both in-person and on Social media to the NHLPA and NHL clubs with Russian born players. Milstein is asking for additional security for his players in North America.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 28, 2022
Milstein has several high profile Russian clients including Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov, Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, Ottawa Senators defenseman Nikita Zaitsev, Calgary Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov, New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin.
The 4th Period’s David Pagnotta also confirmed the threats via his Twitter account on Monday.
Some teams are upping their security because of this. Heard last night some Russian players have received serious death threats via DMs. https://t.co/McLMTgVQOl
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) February 28, 2022
No specific players or Washington Capitals players have been directly linked to the reported threats.
By Jon Sorensen