Connor McDavid's ex-agent turned Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson reveals the decision-making behind Jay Woodcroft firing 

By ARJUN B

Modified Jun 12, 2024 15:06 GMT

The Edmonton Oilers CEO of Hockey Operations Jeff Jackson revealed the reasoning behind the firing of head coach Jay Woodcroft. He also talked about the subsequent hiring of Kris Knoblauch.

Jackson, who was appointed CEO on August 3, 2023, has a unique perspective on the decision. He previously represented Oilers star forward Connor McDavid as his agent.

Jackson acknowledged that the decision to let go of Woodcroft and assistant coach Dave Manson was difficult as both are "great coaches." However, with the team struggling, Jackson felt thinks needed to go a different way.

"We needed something to change at the time. And now we're here," he said, referring to the Oilers' presence in the Stanley Cup Final. [via NHL.com.]

Jackson shed light on the thought process behind bringing coach Kris Knoblauch.

"I had lots of dealings with [Kris Knoblauch], including Connor, both in junior and the pros. And what I saw as an evolution of him as a coach, and the feedback from all my clients who played for him was that he was a fantastic coach, a great communicator, and someone who was very calm, super prepared, strategic, and calm on the bench," Jackson explained.

He emphasized the importance of a coach who can maintain composure during the fast-paced and high-pressure environment of NHL games.

"He never gets flustered, so he never loses players on the bench. The game is fast and there's a lot of stuff going on. So I think being calm back there is important for the team's psyche."

With the Oilers down 2-0 in the best-of-7 series against the Florida Panthers, Game 3 is very crucial. It is set for Thursday at Rogers Place, with puck drop at 8 p.m. ET.

Jeff Jackson discusses taking the CEO position with the Oilers

Jeff Jackson opened up about his thought process in leaving his sports agency to take the CEO position with the Edmonton Oilers.

"It was a big decision for me to leave what I was doing. We built up the agency to be, I think, one of the top groups and I really, really enjoyed it. I loved my clients and their families. And so it was not an easy decision," Jackson said to NHL.com.

However, once Jackson made the decision to take the Oilers' job, he was fully committed. As he explained:

"But once I made it, I was all in. And I think that being in my role sort of suits my personality. I’m pretty calm. You have to think big-picture with this job. I don't get too excited, day to day, about success or failure because it all evens out. So, I’ve really enjoyed it."

Jeff Jackson stepped into a good situation with an Oilers team competing for the Stanley Cup.