The Edmonton Oilers are becoming a premier organization in all facets, and one of the primary reasons is owner Daryl Katz’s willingness to spare no expense.

The Oilers claimed Alec Regula off waivers yesterday, and sent down Travis Dermott to the AHL as a corresponding move.

Katz is rightfully earning some praise for his role in these recent roster moves. David Staples of the Edmonton Journal is commending Katz for allowing the team full financial freedom to take shots on these depth players.

»It speaks well of owner Daryl Katz’s commitment to the team that he’s willing to bring in numerous players on pro contracts, give them a chance, then pay the full shot or a substantial portion of their NHL salary if they fail and end up in the NHL So far the Oilers have two hits and two misses, but perhaps Regula will make it a third hit.»

– David Staples, Edmonton Journal

The Oilers are paying the NHL level salaries of 4 depth defenceman at the moment, and that’s only possible with the sign-off from Katz.

Oilers Owner Daryl Katz Sparing No Expenses to Improve the On Ice Product

Ownership allowing management full freedom to spend is a critical aspect of team success, and Katz deserves the praise for his spending and other efforts to lift up the Oilers.

The Oilers will now be paying Dermott $500,000 and Brown $1M in the minor leagues which doesn’t count against the cap. Staples is right to say that while those signings were misses, an organization serious about winning takes those risks.

Under Katz’s ownership, the Edmonton Oilers have risen to become one of the most valuable teams in the NHL by valuation, and more importantly, players are calling Stan Bowman to say they want to play with the Oilers.

 

Creating a culture of winning does begin from the very top, and Katz proving he’s okay to pay a player like Brown $1M in the minors.

While sparing no other expense on the arena, off-ice staff, and much more, it’s a clear directive from top leadership that winning is the ultimate goal at all costs.

Katz still will hear some criticism from fans for rising prices, ads on jerseys, and other minor annoyances – but if Oilers fans are rewarded with a Stanley Cup and years of winning hockey with McDavid, it will be worth any increase in prices.