Page 64 of The Tryout

“So, first you’ve gotta get out of your agreement with your agent. Do you have a copy of anything you may have signed with him?”

Finn nods.

“Yeah, it’s in a folder with some other important documents.”

“Were you under eighteen?”

He nods.

“That’s good news. Technically as an AHL player, you have slightly fewer protections, but between being underage when it was signed and his clear mismanagement of your career, I suspect he’ll cut and run easily enough. How much have you really worked together over the past year and a bit? Has he gotten you any endorsement deals?”

His eyes widen and he shakes his head. Well, that’s a damn shame. Last year he had a great breakout season here, which should certainly have triggered talks about a two-way deal over the summer. This year, he’s been even better – surely some Des Moines car dealer wants his face on an ad?

“Even better. So, here’s what I’d like to do if you’ll let me. Pops and I will sit down and write a letter to him notifying him that he will no longer be representing you due to his predatory practices and mishandling of your career. We’ll send it certified, and send copies to the team and the PHPA. In the NHL, 30 days’ notice is sufficient, and with the various aspects of this case, I suspect we won’t get any pushback on the same for you.”

“How…how much will that cost me?”

Pops would do it for free, I know that. Hell, I’ll be the one writing the draft, and I’d pay for the privilege at this point. Still, I remember our conversation about money, and think of how I can convince him to do this.

“An absolutely disgusting amount of food at Mr. Tran’s when they come visit over Thanksgiving. Your treat.”

I can tell he wants to tell me no, but something is holding him back. Maybe it’s the idea that he can finally be rid of this bozo once and for all.

“But then…then who will represent me? How do we get the contract renegotiated?”

This is a trickier question.

“Well, I know Pops would do it, but if we’re aiming for an NHL contract, you’re gonna need an NHLPA certified agent.”

He stares at me as though this is all news to him. I realize it probably is – for most kids, their parents handle helping them get their first agent, and their agents usually help them learn the ins and outs of contracts. None of that was a possibility for Finn.

“But I was thinking…Ethan’s got a guy he trusts. Maybe he’d be willing to talk with us?”

Finn finds his voice.

“With…us?”

Oh. Right.

“I mean, with you. Obviously. I just…well, if you want any support or whatever, I’d obviously be happy to come along. But that’s not necessary.”

His eyebrows raise.

“You’d do that for me?”

I can feel the smile on my face. I slide my hand across the table and put it on top of his own.

“Yeah, Finn. I’d do that for you.”

We spend the rest of the day enacting the plan that’s been brewing in my head.

I shoot a text to Ethan, asking if he would mind reaching out to his agent on Finn’s behalf. I know it’s kind of a big favor to ask, but I figure if he’s willing to put his reputation on the line to get me a tryout, he might also be willing to hook us up with a phone call, at least.

Within just a few minutes, I’ve got a response.

Ethan Tremblay 12:20 PM

Jack says he’d like to talk to Finn.