from Jason Belzer of Forbes,

The ever increasing popularity of hockey in both the United States and Canada has fueled the explosive growth of NHL player salaries over the last decade. No agency has capitalized on this more than Newport Sports Management. Based in Ontario, Newport has negotiated an estimated $1.26 billion in NHL contracts, bringing in almost $50 million in commissions.

Spearheaded by agent Don Meehan, Newport’s single sport practice has helped the agency to tie for #6 on Forbes’ list of overall most valuable sports agencies in the world. Newport represents clients include: Minnesota Wild wing Zach Parise, New York Rangersgoalie Henrik Lundqvist, as well as defensive players Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings , Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators, Henrik Tallinder of the Buffalo Sabres and Dion Paneuf of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Moving up to the #2 spot on this year’s list is veteran agency Octagon, with approximately $880 million in contracts under management.

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