A brand offers you free equipment in exchange for a few social media posts.
Should you accept it?
Or should you ask for money?
I don't think there's one answer that works for every player.
Free gear can be a great deal. But it can also be payment for a lot more work than you realize.
The important thing is understanding what the product is worth to you and what the company expects in return.
Start with what the gear is actually worth to you.
Imagine you need new gloves.
You were already planning to spend $250, and a brand offers you a suitable pair in exchange for one Instagram post.
That could be a useful arrangement.
You're getting equipment you genuinely need, and the work is relatively limited.
Now imagine a company offers you $350 worth of clothing you weren't planning to buy.
In exchange, it wants three posts, a video, an appearance and permission to use your content in advertising.
That's a much bigger commitment.
And the $350 retail value doesn't necessarily mean you're receiving $350 of useful value.
Free products are most valuable when they replace something you were already going to spend money on.
One Instagram post might involve more work than you expect.
A brand might ask for one video.
But what does that actually involve?
Do you need to plan it, film it, edit it and send it for approval?
Can the company request changes?
Does it expect you to travel somewhere?
And can it use the finished video in its own advertising?
Those things matter.
So does exclusivity.
If a company gives you one stick but says you can't work with any competing stick brand for the next year, that's something worth considering.
You're giving up other potential opportunities.
Know when to ask for money.
I wouldn't automatically demand cash for every product-testing opportunity.
But if a company wants multiple pieces of content, appearances, ongoing work or broad advertising rights, I'd be asking whether there's a budget.
You can keep the conversation simple.
I'm interested in working together. For the amount of content and advertising use you're requesting, is there a cash budget available? If not, could we reduce what's included?
That's a completely reasonable question.
The company might offer money.
It might agree to fewer posts.
Or it might decline.
All three are useful answers.
And if the arrangement doesn't make sense for you, you're allowed to say no.
Don't give away unlimited use of your content.
One last thing.
A company reposting your Instagram video is different from using that video in paid advertisements for the next year.
The second arrangement gives the company broader commercial use of your content.
Before agreeing, ask where the video will appear and how long the company can use it.
Those are called image or usage rights.
You don't need to become a contract expert overnight.
But you should understand what you're giving the business.
Don't compare a deal based only on what the company gives you. Compare it with everything you're being asked to give back.
And before accepting, check any rules that apply to your team, school, eligibility or ability to perform paid work.
Before you accept anything, make sure the deal won't affect your hockey eligibility.
For more guidance on hockey brand deals and sponsorships, visit the Player Partnerships Players Hub.