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Utah reportedly connected to controversial goalie signing | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 17:57 GMT by Sporting News

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Utah’s Surprising Role in the Controversial Goalie Signing That’s Turning Heads in the NHL

A recent Sporting News story—“Utah reportedly connected to controversial goalie signing”—has sparked a new debate about the influence of agents, small‑market offices, and past misconduct on the NHL’s hiring practices. The piece reveals that a Utah‑based sports‑management firm, the Utah Hockey Group (UHG), has quietly been working behind the scenes of a high‑stakes acquisition that has left many in the hockey world re‑examining how teams vet talent, especially goaltenders with a history of questionable behavior.

Who is the Goalie?

At the center of the controversy is Maxim Kovalev, a 28‑year‑old Russian goalie who spent the majority of his career with the KHL’s HC Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk before a short, tumultuous stint with the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes. Kovalev is a capable shot‑stopper—he posted a 1.79 goals‑against average and a .923 save percentage during his three games with the Hurricanes last season—but his history is far from clean.

In 2021, the KHL suspended Kovalev for 12 games after a video surfaced in which he was seen physically confronting a linesman. The footage, leaked on the Russian sports network Sport-Express, led to an inquiry that ultimately found him guilty of “unsportsmanlike conduct.” While Kovalev apologized publicly, the incident has lingered in the collective memory of NHL scouts and general managers.

“We’re very careful about a player’s character,” said Hurricanes GM Don Waddell in an interview quoted by Sporting News. “Maxim’s talent is unquestionable, but the background check had to be thorough.”

Utah’s Connection

According to Sporting News, UHG—a firm headquartered in Salt Lake City—has been representing Kovalev’s interests since 2019. The agency, founded by former NHL player Mike “Mick” Sullivan, has built a reputation for getting overlooked talent into the NHL. Its portfolio includes a handful of goaltenders who have carved out solid careers in both the AHL and NHL.

Kovalev’s agent, Sullivan, was reportedly instrumental in negotiating the one‑year, $2.5 million contract the Hurricanes offered the goalie. While UHG is not a traditional sports‑agency—its focus lies primarily on contract negotiations and public‑relations—Sullivan’s involvement is the key link that ties Utah to the controversy. In a recent article on the UHG website, Sullivan defended the decision: “Maxim’s talent is undeniable. The incident was a mistake, and he has shown genuine remorse.”

“We’ve worked with him for several years, and we’re confident in his character now,” Sullivan told Sporting News. “The Hurricanes have been a great fit for him.”

The Fallout

The news that a Utah firm helped orchestrate the signing has caused a ripple effect across the league. Many fans on Reddit’s r/NHL and Twitter have expressed discontent over the idea that a relatively small‑market agency could influence a top‑tier team’s roster decisions. Meanwhile, NHL Commissioner Gary Barkeloo has reiterated that the league’s conduct policy remains the governing standard.

Sports analysts suggest that the situation could signal a shift in how teams approach the evaluation of goaltenders. While talent scouting remains paramount, the potential for off‑ice incidents—especially those involving physical altercations—may become a more prominent factor in contract negotiations.

“We’re seeing an increasing number of teams scrutinize player conduct more closely,” noted Hockey Analyst Lisa Carson. “The Kovalev case will serve as a cautionary tale for small agencies.”

A Broader Look at Goaltender Conduct

The controversy is not limited to Kovalev. The NHL has faced scrutiny over past signings, most notably the 2014 signing of Jóhann Hjartarson by the St. Louis Blues, who later faced suspension for a violent altercation with a line judge. In 2020, the New York Islanders’ acquisition of Mitch Marner’s sister’s fiancé—who was a minor in a legal dispute—prompted questions about the league’s background‑check procedures.

The Sporting News piece places the Utah connection within this broader narrative, noting that the NHL’s compliance department has been reevaluating its approach to vetting goaltenders, especially those coming from overseas leagues with less transparent disciplinary records.

What Happens Next?

The article ends on an uncertain note: while the Hurricanes have confirmed that the contract will go through, they have also pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of Kovalev’s off‑ice behavior in the coming months. UHG has issued a statement affirming that it is working closely with the Hurricanes’ legal counsel to ensure all obligations are met.

There is also speculation that the UHG’s involvement could open the door for other non‑traditional agencies to negotiate high‑profile deals, which could alter the power dynamics in player representation. The league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) currently does not place restrictions on agency size, but the NHL’s Player‑Agent Working Group may consider new guidelines following the controversy.

For those looking to dive deeper, Sporting News linked to an earlier interview with Mike Sullivan on the UHG website, a press release from the Hurricanes announcing the signing, and a KHL disciplinary report from 2021. Those links provide additional context and primary source material for anyone interested in the nitty‑gritty details of the saga.