The Edmonton Oilers hired player agent Jeff Jackson as their CEO of hockey operations, the team announced Thursday.
As an agent, Jackson represented the likes of Connor McDavid, Alex DeBrincat, and Aaron Ekblad. He led the negotiations for the eight-year, $100-million extension McDavid signed in 2017. The Oilers' captain was the highest-paid player in the league before Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon inked an eight-year, $100.8-million contract last offseason.
In his role within the Oilers' office, Jackson will oversee all aspects of the organization's operations at the NHL, AHL, and WHL levels while reporting directly to owner and chairman Daryl Katz.
"This is a big commitment to the long-term success of our organization," Katz said. "Jeff has well-established relationships across the NHL, including a strong relationship with (general manager) Ken Holland.
"He brings tremendous industry insight, knowledge and leadership built through a unique career experience that is ideal for this leadership role at (OEG Sports & Entertainment). 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."
Holland will continue in his role as GM and president of hockey operations and will report to Jackson.
Jackson, 58, played in the NHL for parts of eight seasons and suited up for his last game in the 1991-92 season. He joined the Toronto Maple Leafs' staff as an assistant GM and director of hockey operations in 2006. Four years later, he became an NHL agent and eventually helped establish leading agency Wasserman Hockey.
"I can't think of a more exciting franchise to join or a better opportunity for me to put into practice everything I have learned during the past three decades in and around the NHL," Jackson said.
Jackson's first NHL client was Sam Gagner, who was drafted by the Oilers sixth overall in 2007.
McDavid will remain a Wasserman Hockey client, with Judd Moldaver taking over as his agent. He has three years remaining on his current pact.
Moldaver also represents Maple Leafs sniper Auston Matthews.
