Max Term Podcast
Max Term Podcast
Kyle Stich & James Finch
James Finch & Kyle Stich of AFP Analytics discuss player contracts, team building, salary cap management, and the general business and analytics of hockey and other sports. Kyle brings 10 years of experience working with hockey players and agents as a tax and analytic consultant. While James brings industry leading expertise in hockey contract projections and team salary cap management. Together they will provide unique insight to listeners hoping to learn more about how contracts are negotiated, the business of sports, and how advanced metrics influence decision-making and on-ice performance.
Current Events & Arbitration Talk
James and Kyle discuss recent signings (Krebs, Mantha, Zegras, etc.) and recent trade rumors (Hellebuyck). Arbitration is near, so they dive into how it works, using Jamie Drysdale as an example. Lastly, they finish up the episode with thoughts on the Yzerplan ending! What do we think it means for Dylan Larkin’s future?
Jul 17
1 hr 20 min
2026 Free Agency, Offer Sheets & a New Cap Culture
James and Kyle reflect on July 1st and what has followed. Where did we see some interesting trends? Did certain teams stand out? Thoughts on the Hayton and Carlsson offer sheets, a shifting cap culture, and more!
Jul 9
1 hr 26 min
2026 Draft Week Recap
Draft week was a busy one (not just for James and Kyle at the draft in Buffalo). Teams started to get business done. Good amount of trades, including a few sign and trades like Raddysh to the Leafs and Tuch to the Capitals. We discuss all the happenings leading up to free agency!
Jun 30
1 hr 37 min
2026 NHL Draft Prospects & Current Events
A new year brings some updates to the AFP Analytics prospect model. James and Kyle discuss which players project well via the model, and they also bring in consensus rankings (a.k.a scouting) to help identify where some potential value could be found at different points in the early rounds. Current Events: SJS/BUF Kesselring trade, TOR/PHI Woll trade, COL/NSH Colton trade.
Jun 19
1 hr 14 min
Which Free Agent Should Each NHL Team Sign?
In the latest episode, James and Kyle play match-maker finding the perfect fit between team and UFA players. The rules - no player can be picked to stay with their current team and no player can be used twice. Who matches with Alex Tuch? Rasmus Andersson? Darren Raddysh? John Carlson? Anders Lee? Do any top players not get matched? Who are some of the best value matches?
Jun 12
1 hr 26 min
Previewing 2026 Extension Eligible Players
In the latest episode, James and Kyle continue working through AFP Analytics' contract projection with players eligible to sign a contract extension this summer. They go team by team, giving an overview of the projected contracts and how likely the extension could get done. Could Cale Maker, Quinn Hughes, and Macklin Celebrini reset the contract landscape? Are there are sneaky important extensions to get done this summer?
Jun 5
1 hr 31 min
Previewing the 2026 NHL RFA Class
In the latest episode, James and Kyle continue working through AFP Analytics' contract projection with the pending RFAs. They go team by team, giving an overview of the projected contracts and team cap situations. Could this summer see a major market shift with young players getting higher AAVs AND less term? Could there be any offer sheets? Who could be this targets?
May 29
1 hr 39 min
Previewing the 2026 NHL UFA Class
James and Kyle are back to preview AFP Analytic's 2026 contract projections starting with the pending UFAs. Is there a strength to this class? Which players could provide value at their projected contract? Which contracts might we hesitate to give out?
May 22
1 hr 16 min
Previewing the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
James and Kyle are back with a Stanley Cup playoff preview! Somehow, they completely agree on what will happen in the Eastern Conference but have some big differences of opinion out West. Who do they like prevailing in each matchup? What series are good and bad matchups for the favorites? Can anyone or anything stop the Colorado Avalanche? Which team could be a fun bet to make to be the eventual champs?
Apr 17
1 hr 8 min
NHL Trades That May Be Made This Summer
In the latest episode, James and Kyle discuss players who were rumored to be discussed in trades leading up to the trade deadline, were not moved, but might be re-visited this summer. Is Robert Thomas destined to be moved? Should have the Blues moved Binnington? How does New Jersey solve their logjam on the backend? Could the Predators or Maple Leafs blow it up this summer?
Mar 20
1 hr 7 min
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