OEG Inc. owner and Chairman Daryl Katz has announced that Dresden native Jeff Jackson has been named the new CEO of Hockey Operations for the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club.
His appointment was effective August 3, 2023.
“First of all, I just want to say that I’m absolutely thrilled to be in Edmonton today to join this historic franchise,” Jackson said in a press conference on Thursday.
“I’ve watched this team since I was a young boy in the ’80s. I’ve had the distinct pleasure over the last eight years of watching the team very closely, with Connor being a big part of that. I’ve spent a lot of time in Edmonton. I’ve watched this team evolve. Ken’s done a tremendous job building a winning culture, and I’m just very excited to join his team and try to contribute as much as I can.”
Oilers officials say in his new role, Jackson will report directly to Katz and serve as an Alternate Governor on the NHL Board of Governors.
He will oversee all aspects of OEGSE’s NHL, AHL and WHL hockey operations.
The team said Jackson will work closely with Ken Holland, who continues in his role as President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers and will report to Jackson.
“I want to thank Daryl Katz for the faith that he’s putting in me today to take on this role,” Jackson said.
“I know it’s an important one. He’s got a great vision for this team. The vision goes way back. I remember walking through this arena when there was no roof on it. There were no buildings around. There was a plan, and Bob Nicholson and Kevin Lowe at the time presented what the plan was and here we are, eight or nine years later, and you can see the impact on the city and how the team’s structured now and where they’re at — I think on the verge of some great years.”
Paul Coffey, who has been with the Oilers as a Special Advisor to Daryl Katz for more than a year and has been integral to bringing Jeff to OEGSE, will also assist Jackson in his new role with the organization.
“My wife Lara and my kids Savannah, Liam, Owen and Luke are also very excited and thrilled and look forward to being tangential members of the Edmonton Oilers,” Jackson said.
“I spent a lot of nights in this building watching the team and I felt the energy and the passion of the fans. It’s an unparalleled building. In the role of agent, you go around the league and see a lot of games and sit in a lot of buildings. I think that this place is unparalleled, and I hope to be able to help Kenny get this team to a point where that fanbase is even more proud. Thanks for having me and I’m really excited to get going.”
Jackson has experienced the NHL from every critical perspective a team’s leader could require, the team stated.
Following an eight-year professional playing career, he practiced corporate and entertainment law at a leading national law firm.
In 2006 he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs as Assistant General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations and during his four years in that role, also served as the General Manager and Governor of the Toronto Marlies in the AHL.
In 2010, he launched his own agency with former Oilers first-round draft pick Sam Gagner as his first NHL client.
In the 13 years since, Jeff has played an instrumental part in building what is now Wasserman Hockey, a leading global agency known for representing iconic sports figures and many elite talents of the NHL — including Connor McDavid.
“This is a big commitment to the long-term success of our organization,” said Katz, in a media 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.”
“This is an exciting day for Oilers fans and the organization. Jeff is highly respected across the NHL and brings unique experience as a former player, Assistant General Manager and, most recently, as one of the most influential agents in the business,” said Holland, in a media release.
“It is a real coup for Oilers fans to have Jeff join the organization and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue our drive for a Stanley Cup.”
“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, in a media release.
“I look forward to working with Jeff in his new role, and am excited about what this means for the future of the Oilers. 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 Philips, my longtime manager, handling day-to-day matters.”
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers
