Daryl Katz Acquisition Era (2009-Present)
A new ownership chapter defined by patience, drafting superstars, and restoring blue-and-orange glory.
Taking over from the Molson family, Katz inherited a team struggling to find consistent playoff success following the dynasty years of the 1980s. His ownership has been defined by a commitment to long-term stability, significant investment in player development, and navigating the franchise through periods of rebuilding and eventual resurgence.
- Predecessor
- Molson Family (Jim & David Molson)
- Key Achievement
- Return to Consistent Playoff Contention
- Draft Legacy
- Selection of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl
- Arena Status
- Continued Operation at Rogers Place (formerly Rexall Place/NSC)
Lore & Background
This era is most famously characterized by the historic 2015 NHL Draft, where the organization selected Connor McDavid first overall and Leon Draisaitl third. This decision signaled a shift in identity from a team of veterans to one built around generational young talent. Under Katz's ownership, the franchise also oversaw the transition from Rexall Place to the state-of-the-art Rogers Place, ensuring the team had a modern home befitting its aspirations.
In Their Own Story
The arena lights hummed with anticipation as the crowd roared for the new era. On the ice, young skates carved deep into the fresh surface, echoing the footsteps of legends past. In the booth, the owner watched not just for goals, but for the spark that would reignite a city's passion. The puck dropped, and history began to rewrite itself, one shift at a time.
Reader's Guide
Initially, the focus was on stabilization. The team struggled through several seasons of mediocrity as management worked to clear salary cap space and reset the organizational culture under General Manager Steve Tambellini and later Craig MacTavish. A definitive turning point arrived in 2015 with the selection of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. This draft class fundamentally altered the team's trajectory, shifting the identity from a rebuilding project to a championship contender built on elite young core talent. The physical evolution of the franchise continued with the opening of Rogers Place in September 2016, replacing the aging Rexall Place. The new arena provided a modern backdrop for the resurgence that followed, leading back-to-back Presidents' Trophy wins and deep playoff runs.
Did You Know?
- This ownership era is responsible for drafting two of the most talented players in NHL history: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
- Under Katz, the Oilers moved into Rogers Place in 2016, which was built specifically to replace the long-serving Rexall Place.
- The team won back-to-back Presidents' Trophies (awarded for best regular-season record) during this era, ending a decades-long drought.