Mike Barnett

Mike Barnett is a former professional hockey player turned influential sports agent and executive. Best known for representing Wayne Gretzky for over two decades, Barnett led IMG's hockey division, negotiating landmark contracts for numerous NHL stars. He later served as General Manager of the Phoenix Coyotes and held advisory roles with the New York Rangers, leaving a lasting impact on the business of hockey.

Inducted

Michael G. Barnett, born on October 9, 1948, in Olds, Alberta, is a prominent Canadian ice hockey executive and former sports agent recognized for his significant impact on the NHL. He began his career as a collegiate athlete, playing both hockey and football at St. Lawrence University in New York before transferring to the University of Calgary. After his collegiate career, Barnett played professionally in the World Hockey Association (WHA) with the Chicago Cougars and Houston Aeros until an eye injury ended his playing days in 1975.

Transitioning from player to agent, Barnett co-founded Sierra Sports Group with long-time hockey agent Gus Badali. In 1982, he established CorpSport International in Edmonton, Alberta, which quickly became a leading sports management agency in Canada. Under Barnett's leadership, CorpSport represented a diverse roster of athletes across various sports, including hockey, golf, and boxing. His most notable client, Wayne Gretzky, became the centerpiece of his career, leading to numerous groundbreaking contract negotiations that would set new standards for player compensation in the NHL.

In 1988, Barnett's CorpSport International merged with International Management Group, where he took charge of the Los Angeles office and eventually rose to International Vice-President. During his tenure at IMG, he represented high-profile NHL players like Brett Hull, Jaromír Jágr, and Sergei Fedorov, negotiating deals that included significant signing bonuses and innovative contract structures. His negotiation of a $25.5 million contract for Gretzky made the legendary player the highest-paid athlete in North American team sports at the time, showcasing Barnett's prowess in maximizing athlete earnings.

In 2001, Barnett shifted gears from athlete representation to executive management when he joined the Phoenix Coyotes as General Manager, following Gretzky's ownership stake in the team. Under his leadership, the Coyotes achieved their best record in franchise history during his first season. Barnett's ability to identify and nurture talent was evident as he signed key players like Shane Doan and Keith Yandle, who would become integral to the team's success.

Barnett's influence extended beyond contract negotiations and team management; he played a significant role in the NHL's Collective Bargaining Agreement in 1994, advocating for players' rights and compensation. His contributions to the league were recognized when he was listed among the "100 Most Powerful People in Sports" by The Sporting News on six occasions from 1994 to 2000, reflecting his prominence in the industry.

After a successful six years with the Coyotes, Barnett transitioned to a senior advisory role with the New York Rangers in 2008, where he continues to provide strategic insights to the team's management. His extensive experience as both an agent and an executive has cemented his reputation as a key figure in professional hockey, influencing the careers of countless players and the overall landscape of the sport. Barnett's career is characterized by innovation, leadership, and a commitment to advancing the interests of athletes in the evolving world of professional hockey.