With the NHL draft and free agency looming, the organization finds itself in a transitional phase without a General Manager, following the departure of Ken Holland. Reports from notable sources, including Darren Dreger, indicate that Holland's contract will not be renewed, and while the Oilers have offered him a different role within the organization, the 68-year-old is contemplating retirement.
In the interim, team President Jeff Jackson, alongside assistant General Manager Brad Holland, is expected to steer the Oilers through the upcoming draft and free agency period. Despite the team's remarkable playoff performance, the search for a new General Manager is already underway, with Mark Hunter named as a leading candidate by several NHL insiders such as Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman. Additional names in the mix include Brad Holland, Keith Gretzky, and Mathieu Darche, reflecting a broad and diverse pool of potential leadership talent for the Oilers.
This management change comes at a crucial time for the franchise, which has demonstrated its competitiveness by reaching Game 7 of the Cup Final. The Oilers' next steps are vital, with significant contract negotiations expected for key players like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard. Securing these cornerstone players on long-term deals could solidify the team's status as perennial contenders for the Stanley Cup.
