During a pivotal period for the Edmonton Oilers, between the departure of Ken Holland and the hiring of Stan Bowman, Jeff Jackson stepped in as interim General Manager. In just over three weeks, Jackson made a significant impact through a flurry of transactions. While his moves were largely praised, a closer look reveals a mixed bag of successes and potential missteps.
The Best Moves
One of Jackson's most lauded moves was re-signing Corey Perry to a one-year contract worth $1.4 million, including bonus incentives. Perry exceeded expectations, becoming a key player in the Oilers' lineup. He played 81 games, contributed 19 goals, and posted a plus-22 rating. Perry's performance in the playoffs was particularly impressive, as he scored 10 goals, showcasing his offensive prowess and valuable leadership. His toughness and experience filled a void on the team, making this signing a significant win for Jackson.
Securing Adam Henrique on a team-friendly deal was another smart move. Henrique signed a two-year contract with an AAV of $3 million. This signing addressed the Oilers' need for a functional third line capable of competing against tough competition. Compared to other comparable centers who signed for an average of $5.5 million per year over four years, Henrique's contract provided excellent value.
Jackson also made a splash by acquiring forward Matt Savoie from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Ryan McLeod. This move was widely approved by fans, as it brought in a highly touted prospect on a low-cost contract. Trading up in the first round of the NHL draft to select Sam O'Reilly was another move that bolstered the Oilers' prospect pipeline. Jackson focused on players with high levels of competitiveness, aiming to add prospects who could make an impact sooner rather than later.
Resigning Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark to team-friendly deals was also a positive step. These signings ensured that the elite penalty-killing duo from the previous season remained with the team. Overall, Jackson's approach to free agency focused on value, securing talented players on cheap contracts and retaining key players on reasonable deals. He also added depth by signing players like Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson.
The Worst Moves
While Jackson's tenure was largely positive, some decisions have faced scrutiny. One potential area of concern is the long-term impact of signing Viktor Arvidsson and Adam Henrique to multi-year deals with trade protection. While Henrique's performance was solid, questions remain if allocating $7 million to Arvidsson and Henrique was the best use of cap space.
Some critics argue that the Oilers made too many changes after losing in the Stanley Cup Final, potentially sacrificing team speed and strength. The decision to let Warren Foegele, Vincent Desharnais, and Sam Carrick leave via free agency was questioned, with concerns raised about whether the replacements brought in by Jackson would be as effective.
Final Thoughts
Jeff Jackson's brief stint as interim GM of the Oilers was marked by a series of bold moves aimed at improving the team's depth and competitiveness. His success in signing players to value contracts and retaining key contributors earned him praise from fans and analysts alike. However, some decisions, such as the length and terms of certain contracts, have raised concerns about the long-term implications for the team's cap flexibility. Overall, Jackson's tenure was a success, leaving the Oilers in a stronger position to compete for the Stanley Cup.
