(Edmonton) Former player agent Jeff Jackson, whose client list included superstar Connor McDavid, has been named chief executive of hockey operations for the Edmonton Oilers, the team announced Thursday.
The Oilers said Jackson will oversee all aspects of the Alberta organization’s teams playing in the NHL, American Hockey League and Junior League West.
Jackson served as executive vice president of Wasserman Hockey, an international agency renowned for representing many NHL stars, including Oilers captain McDavid.
The former business and entertainment lawyer also brings significant NHL experience to his new role, having served as assistant general manager and director of hockey operations for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2006 to 2010.
As a player, Jackson played 263 NHL games with the Maple Leafs, Quebec Nordiques and Chicago Blackhawks.
He will report directly to Oilers owner Daryl Katz, while Ken Holland remains general manager and president of hockey operations. The team clarified that Holland will report to Jackson, who succeeds Bob Nicholson in that role.
“(Jackson) brings extraordinary vision, knowledge and industry leadership through a unique professional background that is ideal for this leadership role,” Katz said in a statement.
“He understands what it takes to build an elite organization for the modern NHL and will work closely with Ken and the entire team to put the Oilers in the best possible position to win. »
Nicholson, a former chief executive of Hockey Canada, was hired by the Oilers in 2014 and served as the team’s chief executive and president.
On the team’s website, he is identified as special adviser and deputy governor.