Opinion: Jeff Jackson Should Stay as the Edmonton Oilers GM

Photo via Sportsnet

The CEO of Hockey Operations, Jeff Jackson, is currently serving as the interim General Manager for the Oilers following the resignation of former GM Ken Holland. On what could be considered the best free agency day in Oilers history, Jackson made significant moves by adding a total of five players to the team. The new additions include Viktor Arvidsson (Forward), Jeff Skinner (Forward), Josh Brown (Defenseman), Collin Delia (Goalie), and Connor Carrick (Defenseman). Additionally, Jackson successfully re-signed Connor Brown (Forward), Mattias Janmark (Forward), Adam Henrique (Forward), Corey Perry (Forward), and Troy Stecher (Defenseman). These signings are a testament to the strong culture that has been built in Edmonton, with players demonstrating a willingness to accept less money for the opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup. Looking ahead, the Oilers will need to address the impending signings of RFAs Dylan Holloway and Phillip Broberg. These signings are likely to place the team over the salary cap, necessitating further roster adjustments before the start of the season. Speculations abound regarding potential moves, including a potential LTIR move or trade involving Kane, or even a trade involving Cody Ceci/Ryan Mcleod to free up cap space is possible.

Related Post: Edmonton Oilers Sign Jeff Skinner to 1-Year, $3 Million Contract | Inside The Rink

The Oilers have lost only three players so far in free agency: Warren Foegele, Vincent Desharnais, and Sam Carrick. I believe the team can easily move on without them, especially since Jeff Jackson has brought in better options to fill the gaps with Jeff Skinner, Viktor Arvidsson, and Josh Brown. In my opinion, the team is even better than last season’s, and adding better wingers alongside centerman Leon Draisaitl should work wonders for the team’s future success.

Related Post: Edmonton Oilers Sign Kings Forward to 2-Year Deal | Inside The Rink

If this is Jeff Jackson claiming he doesn’t want to be GM, I can’t imagine how it would be if he took on the role full-time. Ken Holland did well during his tenure, but he never had a day like this. We’ll have to wait and see what else he has in store for the organization, but I hope the current staff remains as it is now.

Rumors of Bowman?

Oilers fans are expressing their strong opposition to the rumors of Stan Bowman being hired as the next GM. Some have even created a petition in case his hiring is considered, and I’ve also added my signature to it. I find it deeply troubling that these individuals, including Bowman, Maclsaac, and Queeneville, are being considered for management positions in the NHL again. Covering up sexual abuse while holding powerful positions is utterly unacceptable to me, and I firmly believe that such individuals should never have a place in the NHL again. I trust that Jeff Jackson and the Oilers staff will make the right decision, and I sincerely hope that they will not bring these individuals to Edmonton. As a fan, it would be disheartening to see Bowman being hired, and I’m confident that Oil country would take necessary action to prevent such a hiring. For fans who are interested, here is the link to the petition:

Potential 2024-2025 Lineup:


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Matthew Buhrmann

Covering Cincinnati Cyclones l Student @uofcincy l @Mbuhrmann61 on X

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