Oilers CEO and Acting General Manager Jeff Jackson Announces Comprehensive Strategy for Offseason Team Retention
Edmonton Oilers CEO and acting general manager Jeff Jackson announced his intentions to re-sign all of the team’s pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) this summer. Speaking with Elliotte Friedman at the NHL Draft, Jackson confirmed the organization is having positive discussions with their UFAs and aims to bring back everyone needing an extension.
This ambitious plan is noteworthy considering the Oilers have nine UFAs to address. While it was initially anticipated that the team might lose a few players, Jackson’s comments suggest the Oilers are committed to retaining as much of their current roster as possible. Despite the financial demands some players might have, Jackson’s confidence indicates a willingness among players to consider deals that keep the team intact.
The Oilers’ UFA list includes key players like Connor Brown, Mattias Janmark, Warren Foegele, Corey Perry, Vincent Desharnais, Sam Carrick, Sam Gagner, Adam Henrique, and Troy Stecher. Jackson’s goal to re-sign everyone might be ambitious, but it highlights the team’s focus on maintaining continuity.
Oilers Trade Up for First-Round Pick
In a significant draft move, the Oilers traded a future conditional first-round selection (in 2025 or 2026) to move up and draft Sam O’Reilly from the London Knights. Edmonton originally did not have a first-round pick this year, having traded it to Anaheim for Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick at the trade deadline.
O’Reilly, a utility player whose draft stock rose significantly in the latter half of the season, is known for his competitiveness and versatility. Jackson expressed satisfaction with the pick, stating, “Our staff had him rated quite a bit higher than where he went, so Rick felt very strongly we were getting a player that would fit our mold and we’ve got to start getting our pipeline going. We felt very comfortable making the move today.”
The #Oilers have traded a first-round pick in 2025 or 2026 to the Flyers in exchange for the 32nd pick in tonight's #NHLDraft.
With the 32nd overall pick, we are proud to select forward Sam O'Reilly from the @LondonKnights.#LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/lplY8zqZWU
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 29, 2024
By trading a future first-round pick, the Oilers will have fewer assets to leverage at next season’s trade deadline. This move is a gamble, especially if the Oilers don’t finish high in the playoffs, potentially making the future pick more valuable. The Philadelphia Flyers, who received the conditional pick, are banking on it being a better asset in a year’s time.
As the Oilers navigate the offseason, Jackson’s aggressive approach in re-signing key players and making strategic draft moves underscores the organization’s commitment to building a competitive team for the future.
