Nhl Agent Says Russian Born Players Facing Death Threats Discrimination

Speaking with ESPN, Dan Milstein says that a player he represents faced discrimination from a stranger while on the road recently.

Milstein, who is a Ukrainian immigrant, says that the NHL has provided extra security for players who feel they may be at risk, while his clients are more concerned for friends and family members.

The agent adds that he feels there may be discrimination against Russian or Belarusian players who plan to make the jump to the NHL, with some organizations potentially thinking twice about drafting them.

There are currently 37 Russian-born players in the NHL.

The NHL issued a statement Monday condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and acknowledging that players in the league are faced with a difficult situation. The league also announced it was suspending business with partners in Russia.

“We also remain concerned about the well-being of the players from Russia, who play in the NHL on behalf of their NHL Clubs, and not on behalf of Russia. We understand they and their families are being placed in an extremely difficult position,” the league said in the statement.