“Didn’t consult with the players on this decision,” Oilers Jeff Jackson backs Connor McDavid after forward’s name gets dragged in firing of coach Jay Woodcroft

Edmonton Oilers CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson has backed Connor McDavid after the captain found his name in talks of involvement of dismissal of former coach Jay Woodcroft.

“Didn’t consult with the players on this decision,” Oilers Jeff Jackson backs Connor McDavid after forward’s name gets dragged in firing of coach Jay Woodcroft

Jeff Jackson (L) Connor McDavid (C) and Jay Woodcroft (R) [Pic Credit: Edmonton Journal/Imago]

The Edmonton Oilers continue to slump this 2023-24 season. Having reached the knockout phases last season, the team is looking completely different than last season. Their struggles saw the team relieve coach Jay Woodcroft of his duties. Since this, the name of Connor McDavid started to emerge as many claimed he was behind his sacking. Jeff Jackson, the Oilers CEO of hockey operations then backed him and the others.

McDavid, the captain of the team is one of the ones who is also struggling this season. His name soon became the talk of the town as fans bashed him for his potential involvement in the firing of Woodcroft. Jackson would claim that no players were involved in this discussion.

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The major reason the involvement of McDavid playing a part in this role became the talking point was because of the new management. Kris Knoblauch, the new coach of the Oilers, has previously coached the reigning MVP in the minors. Their past relationship was pointed out by many as the reason for his appointment and sacking of Woodcroft.

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"We didn’t consult with the players on this decision. They are here to play hockey. They don’t like being involved in these types of decision. Connor and the other leaders had nothing to do with this decision".

The statement from Jackson now has the fans confused. This is because Drance reported a different perspective of the story from GM Ken Holland. This has led to several questions being raised at the organization.

Edmonton Oilers leadership seems to be on different pages

There is no denying that the Edmonton Oilers have not lived up to the expectations placed on them so far. After being eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals, the team was expected to start brightly again. Things have gone completely wrong as their leadership seems to be on different pages.

Jeff Jackson and Ken Holland
Jeff Jackson (L) and Ken Holland (R) [Pic Credit: Heavy Hockey Network]

The statement released by Jeff Jackson was done in an attempt to stop the rumors regarding the involvement of Connor McDavid. This all started though as Ken Holland admitted that the veteran players will involved in a conversation regarding the future of Jay Woodcroft. As soon as Holland mentioned the name of McDavid, Jackson would claim that they did not consult the players.

Whether the leadership group of players including McDavid were actually involved or not is something only the team knows. The Oilers though are clearly struggling backstage as well the their poor performances this season.

They are currently 3-9-1 for the season with their third win coming in the last game against the top contender in Dallas Star. The pressure now is on the shoulders of Kris Knoblauch as he tries to steady this shaking ship.

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