"Why is Canada starting this?" "Finally sold out yourselves": NHL fans fume as Oilers announce gambling website as home jersey sponsor

The Edmonton Oilers announced Play Alberta, a Alberta based online gambling website, as a club partner on Monday. Consequently, the Play Aberta logo will feature on the team’s home jerseys this upcoming season.

While the announcement is a part of NHL teams’ ongoing trend of partnering with various brands, not all fans are thrilled with the idea of having a sportsbook logo on Edmonton’s jersey.

Here’s what some fans had to say about this announcement:

“As much for the world rids itself of gambling sponsors on sports jerseys, why is Canada starting this?” one fan said.

“Gotta pay Leon somehow I guess,” another fan said.

“You guys finally sold out yourselves,” one fan said.

Despite most fans showing their displeasure at the announced partnership, others used the opportunity to poke fun at the irony of the situation.

In particular, some fans made fun of the Oilers’ partnership with a sportsbook, given that forward Evander Kane has faced disciplinary issues over gambling violations.

“The Evander Kane Play Alberta jersey will go crazy,” one fan said.

“On a jersey that Evander Kane wears,” another fan said.

“Well well well how fitting the Oilers having a gambling ad on their jerseys while having an addictive gambler on their roster (Evander Kane) lol” a fan said.

Oilers fans will get to see the new jerseys in game action when the Oilers hit the ice at training camp this fall.

---

The Edmonton Oilers must find a way to keep Connor McDavid

A piece on NHL.com explored the Oilers’ need to keep Connor McDavid now that the Leon Draisaitl extension is in the books.

NHL.com quoted GM Stan Bowman on the looming McDavid extension:

“Certainly, there’s going to be challenges in the future, but that’s for us to figure out down the road.”

However, the statement “down the road” doesn't provide a clear indication of when an extension could be signed. McDavid is entering the penultimate year of his current deal, making him eligible to sign an extension on July 1 next year.

Ideally, Edmonton would like to get McDavid signed to an extension before the start of next season.

According to Bowman, the club is committed to winning, encouraging McDavid to stay. That commitment was made clear by signing Draisaitl regardless of cost. Bowman said:

“We want to win, and we’re going to do everything in our power, and hopefully that’s going to be something that Connor likes to hear.”

Keeping Draisaitl in the fold was a great step in the right direction. Now, the team will need to focus on balancing its roster to support its stars.