Oilers' CEO Gives GM Situation Update
Jeff Jackson and the Edmonton Oilers are laser focused on the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports - Oilers' CEO Gives GM Situation UpdateEDMONTON -- When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade.
And right now the Edmonton Oilers are making sweet, sweet lemonade.
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At this present moment the organization is knee-deep in preparations to play the Florida Panthers for the Stanley Cup. Everything else swirling around the team are little minnows compared to this orca.
For a team that hasn't been to the Stanley Cup Final in 18 years, this is to be expected. But luckily for Oilers' fans, Pierre LeBrun was able to chat with Oilers' CEO Jeff Jackson to get a glimpse into their offseason plans - particularly for the NHL Entry Draft.
The strange thing about the playoff schedule being pushed out so long is that it doesn't leave considerable time to prepare for the Entry Draft. Game seven of the Cup Final is scheduled for June 24, and the Draft will be held on June 28 and 29.
Also general manager Ken Holland's contract expires on June 30.
So when will Jackson and company have time to process all of these decisions? LeBrun fills everyone in, "we're not dealing with any of that until we're done the playoffs."
But why is that? LeBrun was able to get an answer on that as well, "we're operating day-to-day. The hockey-ops group is very in sync and together all the time. We're on the road having dinner and doing what we do. And being with the coaches.
"We're not going to be changing any of that, because it's working."
Jackson also told The Athletic that, "it's a good problem to have," because it also means they are competing for the Stanley Cup. Right now that is the only goal for the team.
"It can't be any sort of speculation or discussion that's going to be a distraction from the team."
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