Oilers hire Connor McDavid's agent Jeff Jackson as CEO of hockey operations

The Edmonton Oilers are really trying to keep Connor McDavid in town.

On Thursday, Oilers owner Daryl Katz named Jeff Jackson the team's new CEO of hockey operations. Jackson is a now-former player agent with Wasserman Hockey and represented his new employer’s biggest star.

Along with McDavid, Jackson had clients all across the league, including stars Aaron Ekblad and Alex DeBrincat, along with McDavid's new teammate, Connor Brown.

"This is a big commitment to the long-term success of our organization," Katz said in a press 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."

The 58-year-old will oversee all aspects of OEGSE's NHL, AHL and WHL hockey operations and serve as an alternate governor on the NHL's board of governors. Oilers president and GM Ken Holland will report into Jackson. The former agent will also work closely with Paul Coffey, who was brought on by Katz as a special advisor more than a year ago.

"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. "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."

This isn't Jackson's first time working for an NHL front office. He previously served as assistant GM and director of hockey operations for the Toronto Maple Leafs between 2006-2010 under former GMs John Ferguson Jr., Cliff Fletcher and Brian Burke. He also served as the GM of the Toronto Marlies in 2008-09 and part of the 2009-10 season before leaving the organization in March after it became apparent he didn't have a path to move up in the organization.

Following his stint with the Maple Leafs, Jackson launched his own sports agency before partnering with Orr Hockey Group, where he negotiated McDavid's eight-year, $100-million extension with Edmonton in 2017. Orr Hockey Group was acquired by Wasserman in 2018, with Jackson serving as executive vice president.

"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," McDavid said Thursday. "I look forward to working with Jeff in his new role, and am excited about what this means for the future of the Oilers."

McDavid will now be represented by Wasserman's Judd Moldaver, whose clients include stars Auston Matthews, Roman Josi and Zach Werenski. The three-time Hart Trophy winner has three years remaining on his deal with the Oilers.

The transition from player agent to NHL executive is not unheard of. The Canucks hired agent Emilie Castonguay to be their assistant GM last year, while Canadiens GM Kent Hughes was a big-time agent who represented stars like Patrice Bergeron, Darnell Nurse and Kris Letang.

Prior to entering the business side of hockey, Jackson carved out an eight-year NHL career as a forward with stints with the Maple Leafs, Rangers, Nordiques and Blackhawks, compiling 86 points and 313 penalty minutes in 263 games.