Edmonton Oilers still searching for a General Manager
Jim Matheson: Matheson maintains that they should not be letting interim GM, Keith Gretzky, twist in the wind for so long. Basically, either tell him he is in or he is out as far as the process.
Jonathan Willis from The Athletic: Ken Holland’s name was tossed into the mix. Though Holland is not an option currently, he remains a polarizing figure nonetheless. Holland checks off many of Bob Nicholson’s checkmarks.
Holland may be “old guard” in one sense and “contrarian” all in the same. He believed in running four lines without an enforcer line. Also. Holland did not shy away from back diving salaries to maximize use (see Jimmy Howard). Holland possesses a building up approach that yields results. Steve Yzerman learned a lot of that from the old Detroit general manager.
Contradictory reports floating around and the framing of Holland’s candidacy do add some intrigue.
Jason Gregor: This is telling. There has been no decision made on the search for a new Edmonton Oilers general manager. As a matter of fact, the next GM will not be named for at least a few weeks. Interviews conducted have gone well and have been productive. The job has not been offered to anyone either. It looks like Keith Gretzky will indeed run the draft. He did head up the scouting department after all.
Ryan Rishaug: Again, it has to be repeated that Ken Holland is still not on the short list of candidates to become the next general manager of the Edmonton Oilers.
On the other hand, it appears that Edmonton has a dilemma to a point. Is Kelly McCrimmon really headed to Seattle? Is Edmonton afraid of hiring Mark Hunter at this juncture due to lack of experience? Many questions exist still.