Oilers' President addresses chance of McDavid trade during contract negotiations
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
In an interview with TSN's Pierre LeBrun, Oilers' CEO of Hockey Operations Jeff Jackson spoke about the team's pressure to win, now that Connor McDavid is with the team for an additional two years.
Yet, before commenting on his team specifically, Jeff Jackson spoke about the immense speculation that had circulated concerning McDavid's lack of commitment up to the moment he signed, and other teams wanting to make a deal for the superstar.
«No. I mean, I think there were lots of teams that were maybe looking at it and wondering, 'What's going to happen there?' But ultimately, there was no trade offer, and we weren't thinking that at all."
Oilers' CEO says McDavid extension doesn't add pressure to win now
Since losing in its second-straight Stanley Cup Finals last year, the Oilers have secured a number of its core players, while adding additional scoring-depth. With Connor's extension being the last important piece, the Oilers are now primed to make a deep post-season run, and are better prepared to do so.
Yet, Jeff Jackson believes it's business as usual for the Oilers, whose goal has always been to win the Stanley Cup, year-in and year-out.
«I think you're always on the clock,» Jackson said. «That's the way it is. That's natural for that conclusion to be drawn. When I took the job two years ago, I said we have to be a very competitive team, with an opportunity to compete for the Cup, to make sure that we keep Connor and Leon [Draisaitl] and the core. So, it's no different.
With McDavid's extension, the Oilers will have him for three more years; but when you're a generational talent, I believe the pressure to win with him certainly increases with each loss in the Finals.
«The number that Connor took for his cap hit - really, like, what were the options over one or two years? He's not taking $12.5 million for an extended period of time. So, it's a decision he made in the short term so that we have three years at $12.5 million, and yeah, our goal is to continue to be a good team and be there at the end. His deal doesn't change that. I don't feel like we're on the clock any more than we were on the clock two years ago, to be honest.»
Edmonton will visit the New York Islanders today for its second of a five game road trip.
TRENDING NOW
