Rosenhaus Working With Florida Panthers

We all know Drew Rosenhaus' abilities as a sports agent. He does his job, and he does it well, taking media heat off his more controversial clients while making sure they're as well-compensated as possible.

He's also a hell of an actor.



Now, we're about to find out his ability to negotiate on behalf of the fans. While acting.

Sort of.

Rosenhaus has apparently signed on with the NHL's Florida Panthers, and will be taking part in a brilliant marketing campaign. The details first began to surface Tuesday morning on Rosenhaus' Twitter page.

I have been hired by the fans of the NHL's Florida Panthers to negotiate lower season ticket prices. I will keep you posted on the outcome.

As the day wore on, it became more and more obvious that he wasn't hired by the season-ticket holders, but instead by the team itself.

"It sounded like it wouldn't take too much of my time, and we were able to work it around my schedule," Rosenhaus said. "I was happy to play along, and shed a little light on the fact that agents and teams can sometimes work together for a good cause."

He said the proceeds he's receiving for the gig are going to the Diabetes Research Foundation, and the team is also providing Panthers tickets to his clients.

I'm all for this. In fact, I think it's brilliant.

As NHL teams in warm-weather markets struggle to survive, the biggest struggle they face is to remain relevant in their home cities. Finding ways to stay relevant can be difficult, because there are only so many big-name free agents you can sign without risking salary cap hell. The other good way to remain in the minds of your potential ticket-buyers is through marketing.

Whether you like him or not, there are few people you can hire for a marketing campaign who are as recognizable as Drew Rosenhaus. This is especially true in his home base of south Florida, and in a market (Miami) that is home to many of his clients (albeit in other sports).

Don't overlook the idea of the Panthers giving tickets to Rosenhaus clients here. The team is probably banking on guys like Terrell Owens and Edgerrin James (among many, many others) getting their faces on television, and thus making Panther hockey look like a happening thing. It's likely worth the investment, given that Florida isn't opposed to giving away tickets when they think it can help them in marketing.