Jeff Jackson, CEO and interim general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, discussed the recruiting process for the team’s next permanent general manager with the media.
“I don’t plan to take over as general manager.” — CEO of Hockey Operations for the Edmonton Oilers Jeff Jackson stated on Thursday. In response to the news that Ken Holland will not be rejoining the team, he stated that he will take over as interim general manager, but that this is not his long-term goal. Jackson stated that making a hire is a priority but he did not have a deadline.
He mentioned that even though it was understood that Ken Holland would be moving on, he and Holland had discussed several times this season about making sure we kept everything under wraps. Neither of them wanted the players to be distracted. Even though it would cause him to be behind schedule in making other arrangements, he stated that in the interim he has been planning and organizing things in his brain while hoping the club would advance far in the playoffs. “So here we are. I’m going to take the next few weeks to move forward and finish the things that need to be done,” he declared.
Part of the issue is that Jackson can’t talk to a number of the candidates he would like to right now. Seemingly hinting that he’ll hire from the pool of executives currently serving roles with other teams, it sounds like the top candidates are working with other clubs as the NHL Draft and free agency take place this week.
“I suppose I would be in charge of everything, functioning as general manager. I’ve started reaching out to a number of applicants, but I don’t intend to become general manager. It’s a challenging moment for all of us. “We’re at the draft and people that I want to talk to her like essential members of other organizations,” he continued.
He acknowledged that patience will be required, but he’s fine with it. He stated, “I don’t want it to linger and I don’t know how long it will take; it will sort of be subject to my ability to talk to people when they’re freed up,” even if finding the perfect candidate is undoubtedly a top priority.
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It’s unclear who Jackson wants to speak with or has already spoken to. Leon Draisaitl’s next contract and the ten outstanding UFAs are at the top of his list of business to attend to. Regarding Draisaitl, he remarked, “I don’t feel pressured by a deadline to complete this.” “We’ve got a year to work on it,” he continued.
