During the Edmonton Oiler’s final season press conference, CEO Jeff Jackson announced that Ken Holland will not be returning as General Manager next season. Jackson said he doesn’t want to commit to being a general manager.
There has been speculation about Ken Holland’s future all season in Edmonton. He is entering the final year of his contract, which expires on June 30.
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Jeff Jackson handles all business except general manager entering the draft and free agency. Still, the question remains: who will be the next general manager of the Edmonton Oilers?
TSN Hockey Insiders Pierre LeBrun, Ryan Rishaug, and Darren Dreger discussed the situation with James Duthie following Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
** NHLRumors.com transcript
James Duthie: “And with all these decisions coming up they’re going to need a general manager and we’re not sure Kenny Holland is going to be that General Manager.”
Darren Dreger: “Well, of course, and the draft is right around the corner. Will Kenny Holland be sitting at the bottom of the Oilers draft table? I mean, there could be all kinds of changes in hockey operations, Jeff Jackson will probably stay in his position, maybe become general manager.
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Maybe they promote someone from within the organization to the position of president, or maybe they bring in someone from outside. I mean, when you look at general manager prospects, there’s been enough speculation directed at a guy like Mark Hunter. What about Stan Bowman? I mean, in the end, the National Hockey League is going to bring Stan Bowman back, he’s going to have a lot of opportunities. And I’m told the Oilers shouldn’t be ruled out as a possibility. “
Duthie: “And you know what? All of these same decisions would have happened if they had won the Stanley Cup down the stretch. It would be a lot more fun than it is now.”
