"Drug dealers make big money": Fans react to $5.84 billion-worth Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz's position on richest person in Canada ranking

Daryl Katz, the billionaire owner of the Edmonton Oilers, has recently been ranked as the 29th richest person in Canada. He has an estimated net worth of $5.84 billion, according to YEGWAVE, an Alberta-based entertainment platform.

On X (formerly Twitter), YEGWAVE tweeted:

"Edmonton Oilers owner Darryl Katz has been named the 29th richest person in Canada. His net worth stands at $5.84 billion."

This announcement quickly became a hot topic among NHL fans on X. Many fans shared their perspectives. Some were critical of Katz’s wealth, one fan quipping:

“Drug dealers make big money,” an allusion to Katz’s background in the pharmacy industry.

Other fans held different views, with one user expressing:

“I want to see more billionaires as it's an indication of a land of unlimited opportunities 🫤.”

"And he couldn't afford to build Roger's Place himself without groveling for 3/4 of the cost from taxpayers." a fan shared.

Here are some more reactions from fans on X:

"At a dinner for the world’s 100 richest people he would be at table 100 as his assets are not liquid." one fan mentioned.

"He started as a stock boy for Rexal and worked his way up. It's nice to see billionaires who know the value of hard work." one fan shared.

"Respect - this guy gambled a great deal in making Edmonton’s team and arena district world class." another fan shared.

---

Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz's health issues and his business empire

Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz has a serious, antibiotic-resistant sinus infection. This infection has impacted his health for years. It’s required multiple surgeries and constant antibiotics through an IV. Antibiotic resistance makes it harder to treat and means recovery takes longer. Katz’s appearances raised concerns in 2019, following which the Oilers confirmed his ongoing health issues.

Daryl Katz was born to Barry Katz and Ida Katz and initially amassed his wealth in the pharmacy and healthcare sectors through Medicine Shoppe stores in Canada. He and his father had bought the franchise's Canadian rights for $300,000.

This was Daryl's father's second venture, previously, he founded Value Drug Mart during the 1970s in Edmonton. Katz also founded the Katz Group of Companies and acquired a Canadian drugstore chain named Rexall.

After making his presence in those industries, Katz ventured into the world of professional sports. He bought the Edmonton Oilers in 2008 and soon expanded his influence beyond the team itself by investing in the Ice District. It was an ambitious mixed-use development project in downtown Edmonton anchored by the Rogers Place arena.