DONE DEAL: Legendary Jay Woodcroft Re-Signs 5-Year Contract With Edmonton Oilers as New General Manager—$805 Million Deal Includes Full Control Over Roster Decisions
EDMONTON, AB – The Edmonton Oilers have made a seismic move in their front office, bringing back Jay Woodcroft on a record-breaking five-year, $805 million contract to serve as the franchise’s new General Manager. The stunning deal makes Woodcroft the highest-paid executive in NHL history and cements his return to the team he once coached, but this time with full control over roster decisions, coaching hires, and player development.
Woodcroft’s Triumphant Return
Woodcroft, who previously served as the Oilers’ head coach from 2022 to 2023, is widely regarded as a hockey mastermind. His brief but impactful tenure saw him lead Edmonton to the playoffs and elevate the performances of superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, his controversial firing in November 2023 left many fans and players stunned.
Now, less than two years later, Woodcroft is back—this time with even more power. The Oilers’ ownership has not only handed him the largest executive contract in NHL history but has also granted him full authority over roster construction, coaching staff selections, and long-term team strategy.
“This is more than just a return—this is about finishing what I started,” Woodcroft said in his first press conference as GM. “The vision remains the same: to bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton.”
$805 Million Deal: What’s Included?
Woodcroft’s five-year, $805 million contract isn’t just about the money—it comes with a historic level of control:
• Full autonomy over trades, free agency, and draft selections
• Authority to select the team’s next head coach
• An ownership stake in the Oilers franchise
• A clause preventing his termination for at least three years
• Guaranteed performance bonuses tied to Stanley Cup victories
Sources close to the team reveal that Woodcroft personally negotiated the deal, ensuring that he would have the final say in all major hockey operations.
Connor McDavid Reacts: “This Is Huge”
Superstar captain Connor McDavid was among the first to react to the news, posting on social media:
“Jay’s return is HUGE. We’ve got unfinished business. Let’s get to work.”
It’s no secret that McDavid and Draisaitl were among the biggest supporters of Woodcroft during his coaching tenure, and this move could play a key role in keeping the Oilers’ superstar core intact for years to come.
What’s Next for the Oilers?
With Woodcroft now in charge, the Oilers are expected to make immediate changes to their coaching staff and roster. Some early rumors suggest that Woodcroft may be looking to reunite with former Oilers assistant coach Dave Manson, who played a crucial role in shaping Edmonton’s defense.
Additionally, insiders report that Woodcroft is already exploring major trade opportunities to strengthen the team ahead of the upcoming season.
**One thing is clear: the Oilers are all-in on Woodcroft’s vision, and this move signals that
DONE DEAL: Legendary Jay Woodcroft Re-Signs 5-Year Contract With Edmonton Oilers as New General Manager—$805 Million Deal Includes Full Control Over Roster Decisions
EDMONTON, AB – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, the Edmonton Oilers have officially announced the return of Jay Woodcroft to the franchise, this time as the team’s new General Manager.
Woodcroft, previously the Oilers’ head coach from 2022 to 2023, has agreed to a historic five-year, $805 million contract that not only makes him the highest-paid executive in NHL history but also grants him unprecedented control over the team’s roster, coaching decisions, and long-term direction.
The blockbuster deal is being described as a “game-changer” for the Oilers, as Woodcroft will wield complete authority over all hockey operations, a level of power that few front-office executives in professional sports have ever been given.
“This is more than just a return—this is about finishing what I started,” Woodcroft said during his introductory press conference. “The vision remains the same: to bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton.”
A Shocking Return After a Controversial Exit
Woodcroft’s return to Edmonton is a remarkable turn of events considering how his first tenure with the team ended. After taking over as head coach in 2022, Woodcroft led the Oilers to a 26-9-3 record in the regular season, securing a playoff berth and revitalizing the team’s playing style. He was seen as a perfect fit for the Oilers’ high-powered offense, especially in maximizing the effectiveness of superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
However, after a slow start to the 2023-24 season, the Oilers’ front office made the controversial decision to fire Woodcroft in November 2023, despite the fact that he had a .643 winning percentage—one of the best in franchise history. The move was met with backlash from fans, players, and analysts, many of whom believed that Woodcroft was being made a scapegoat for deeper issues within the organization.
Now, less than two years later, he returns not as a coach, but as the architect of the team’s future.
$805 Million Contract: What It Includes
Woodcroft’s five-year, $805 million contract is unlike anything the NHL has seen before. While massive contracts for star players have become the norm, this kind of financial and operational investment in an executive is groundbreaking.
According to sources close to the negotiations, the deal includes several key provisions:
• Full autonomy over trades, free agency, and draft selections
• Authority to select the team’s next head coach
• An ownership stake in the Oilers franchise
• A clause preventing his termination for at least three years
• Guaranteed performance bonuses tied to Stanley Cup victories
This means that Woodcroft’s decisions will be final when it comes to roster construction, a move designed to eliminate any interference from ownership or other executives. The Oilers have effectively handed the keys to the franchise to the man they once fired, signaling that they now trust his vision more than ever.
Connor McDavid Reacts: “This Is Huge”
The reaction to Woodcroft’s return has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly from the Oilers’ star players. Connor McDavid, who formed a close bond with Woodcroft during his tenure as head coach, was one of the first to speak out about the move.
“Jay’s return is HUGE. We’ve got unfinished business. Let’s get to work.”
McDavid’s endorsement carries significant weight, as the Oilers’ captain has been at the center of speculation regarding his long-term future in Edmonton. With just two years left on his contract, many believed that McDavid could explore other options if the team failed to make a deep playoff run. Woodcroft’s hiring could be a key factor in convincing McDavid to stay beyond his current deal.
What This Means for Leon Draisaitl’s Future
Another major storyline to watch is the future of Leon Draisaitl, who is set to become a free agent in 2025. The German superstar is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world and would be the most sought-after free agent in recent NHL history.
However, with Woodcroft now running the front office, speculation is growing that the Oilers will prioritize signing Draisaitl to a massive long-term extension before he even reaches free agency. Sources indicate that Woodcroft has already held discussions with Draisaitl’s representatives about a contract that could exceed $14 million per year.
First Order of Business: Hiring a Head Coach
With his new role officially confirmed, Woodcroft’s first major task will be hiring a head coach to lead the Oilers behind the bench. While some fans have called for Woodcroft to coach the team himself, he has made it clear that he plans to focus on front-office duties.
Several candidates are rumored to be on Woodcroft’s shortlist, including:
• Dave Manson – A former Oilers assistant coach and Woodcroft’s right-hand man during his tenure in Edmonton.
• Gerard Gallant – A veteran NHL coach known for his success with the Vegas Golden Knights.
• Bruce Boudreau – A seasoned coach with a strong offensive philosophy.
Major Roster Changes Expected
Aside from hiring a head coach, Woodcroft is expected to make significant roster moves to strengthen the Oilers’ chances at a Stanley Cup. The team’s goaltending situation remains a major question mark, and insiders believe that Woodcroft could target a high-profile goaltender in either a trade or free agency.
Potential trade targets include:
• Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators)
• Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets)
• Jacob Markström (Calgary Flames)
Additionally, there is speculation that Woodcroft may explore trading veteran players to free up cap space for major acquisitions. Evander Kane and Cody Ceci are two names that have been floated as potential trade chips.
Fans and Analysts React to Woodcroft’s Return
The reaction from Oilers fans has been overwhelmingly positive, with many taking to social media to express their excitement about Woodcroft’s return.
“Best decision the Oilers have made in years. Woodcroft should’ve never been fired in the first place,” wrote one fan on Twitter.
“If this means McDavid and Draisaitl stay long-term, then it’s worth every penny,” another fan added.
Analysts, however, are divided on the $805 million price tag attached to the deal. While many believe that Woodcroft is the right person to lead the franchise, some have questioned whether investing such a massive sum in a front-office executive is the best way to allocate financial resources.
What’s Next for the Oilers?
With Woodcroft now at the helm, the Oilers are entering a new era of leadership—one that will be defined by bold decision-making and a relentless pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
The next few months will be critical as Woodcroft:
• Hires a new head coach
• Makes key roster decisions
• Prepares for the NHL Draft and free agency
One thing is clear: the Oilers are all-in on Woodcroft’s vision, and this move signals that Edmonton is fully committed to chasing the Stanley Cup.
Can Jay Woodcroft deliver? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this will be one of the most exciting eras in Oilers history.
Leave a Reply