Well this is not news I was expecting to wake up to...
The Oilers dropped a surprise bombshell on the hockey world, announcing Jeff Jackson as their new CEO of Hockey Operations. From the Oilers official press release, Jackson reports directly to owner Daryl Katz and will serve as an Alternate Governor on the NHL Board of Directors.
Jackson, once a player, got into the business side back in 2006 when he joined the Leafs as an assistant general manager and director of hockey operations. In Toronto, Jackson served as the general manager of the AHL Marlies. In 2010 he launched his own agency, and ironically his first ever player signed was Sam Gagner.
Oh, his agency also has signed Connor McDavid. That specific piece of information will be an interesting one to follow as the Oilers will eventually be looking to extend the best player in the NHL. In his new role as CEO, Jackson will be stepping away from the agency.
For those who thought Bob Nicholson would be departing due to the controversy we are still learning about from the Hockey Canada sexual assault allegations that occurred while he was in charge, Nicholson is staying on with the Oilers as a Special Advisor.
This is a very interesting, but by my eye intelligent, move by the Oilers organization and likely the first in a shakeup that we will see over the next year. This is the last year of Ken Holland's contract and now Jackson will likely play a key role in working to find the next GM of the Oilers.
I will update later as there will be a press conference later today.
Thanks for reading!