Edmonton Oilers name Jeff Jackson CEO of hockey operations
The Edmonton Oilers announced a significant shift in their leadership group Thursday morning, installing Jeff Jackson as their new CEO of hockey operations effective immediately. In his new role, Jackson will report directly to Oilers owner and chairman Daryl Katz and serve as an alternate governor on the NHL’s Board of Governors.
Jackson, 58, is best known for his work as a player agent, but he brings decades of experience in pretty much every facet of the game. He was a Toronto Maple Leafs second-round pick in 1983 and played 263 games in the NHL as a left winger with the Leafs, Quebec Nordiques, New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks. In his post-playing days, he spent four seasons as the Leafs’ assistant GM between 2006-07 and 2009-10, including one season as GM of their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. In 2010, Jackson founded his own agency with Sam Gagner as his first client. Jackson eventually ended up as a partner at Orr Hockey Group and, most recently, helped build Wasserman Hockey, the firm that represents big names such as Oilers superstar Connor McDavid and Leafs superstar Auston Matthews.
As the Oilers’ new CEO of hockey ops, Jackson will oversee all aspects of Oilers Entertainment Group’s NHL, AHL and WHL operations – meaning the Oilers, Bakersfield Condors and Edmonton Oil Kings. Oilers GM Ken Holland will report to Jackson.
“This is a big commitment to the long-term success of our organization,” Katz said in a team release. “Jeff has well-established relationships across the NHL, including a strong relationship with Ken Holland. He brings tremendous industry insight, knowledge and leadership built through a unique career experience that is ideal for this leadership role at OEGSE. He understands what it takes to build an elite organization for the modern NHL and will work closely with Ken and our whole team to put the Oilers in the best possible position to win.”
Jackson had been McDavid’s representative at Wasserman. As of Thursday, McDavid will remain at Wasserman but will now be represented by agent Judd Moldaver. McDavid has three seasons left on his contract, which carries a $12.5 million AAV.
“Jeff and I have had a long and fruitful relationship, and I have witnessed his care, relentlessness, and obvious knowledge of the game and industry firsthand,” said McDavid. “I’m excited about this next chapter for me and to continue to be represented by Wasserman on and off the ice, with Judd Moldaver as my agent and Adam Phillips, my longtime manager, handling day-to-day matters.”
Bob Nicholson will transition from chairman to a new role as special advisor, hockey operations. Another new title announced Thursday: Paul Coffey is officially special advisor to the owner & chairman.