Ken Holland linked to General Manager job in eastern conference

In a surprising twist within NHL management circles, Ken Holland, currently serving as the General Manager for the Edmonton Oilers, is now reportedly in the lead to become the next General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

This development comes despite earlier beliefs that Holland was nearing retirement.

According to Andy Strickland of Bally Sports, there's increasing speculation that Holland could be transitioning to Columbus to take on the GM role, aiming to provide the team with seasoned leadership. His experience would not only benefit the Blue Jackets directly but also serve as a mentorship opportunity for Columbus franchise icon Rick Nash.

Holland, at 68, is in the last year of his contract with the Oilers. Under the new leadership of Oilers President Jeff Jackson, changes were anticipated, particularly with Holland's contract nearing its end. This season, being Jackson's first as President, had fueled assumptions about potential shifts in the team's management.

The Oilers have not sat idle, with rumors linking them to various potential GM candidates to replace Holland. Prominently, Mark Hunter has emerged as a strong contender for the position, backed by endorsements from well-regarded sources like Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek.

«I also wonder about [Hunter] and the Oilers if this is Ken Holland's last season running the team. Oilers CEO of Hockey Operations Jeff Jackson has always been a fan of Hunter as he always was of Kris Knoblauch and we all know how that played out.»

This transitional period for the Oilers is crucial, especially with key contract negotiations looming, including those for stars Leon Draisaitl and shortly thereafter, Connor McDavid. The decision on Holland's successor will significantly influence the team's future, underscoring the importance of Jackson's choice in the coming months.

As the Oilers and Blue Jackets navigate these pivotal changes, the decisions made now will ripple through the teams' futures, highlighting the enduring impact of experienced leadership in the high-stakes world of NHL management.

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Is Ken Holland going to retire this season, take another job or stay with the Oilers?
Retire	15	34.9 %
Take another GM job	20	46.5 %
Stay with the Oilers	8	18.6 %
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