Oilers GM caught in big lie during interview regarding firing of head coach

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Joshua Deeds
November 12, 2023 (10:18 PM)

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Today's media availability just shows Ken Holland's gross mishandling of Jay Woodcroft's firing.

As a result of the hirings of Kris Knoblauch and Paul Coffey, Ken Holland and Jeff Jackson were deservedly scrutinized.

One of the questions asked was whether Ken Holland consulted with the team's veterans before firing Jay Woodcroft as head coach, as the new coach hired is McDavid's former OHL coach, many believe McDavid persuaded this hiring.

Ken Holland: "Yeah we talked to the veterans"
Oilers CEO "Nope, we didn't consult with the players."

Uhhhhh OK.......

Prior to firing Woodcroft, Ken Holland assured the media that they had done their due diligence and consulted with veterans on the team.

Are they not saying the exact opposite of each other?

Jeff Jackson, president of hockey operations for the Oilers, quickly covered his tracks by stating that the club did not consult with them.

holland on if the players leadership group was consulted on the coaching change: "i have talked over this past week with some of the veterans on our team..

jackson's answer: "no, we didn't consult with the players on this decision. didn't speak with connor, or leon, or nuge or nursey or any of the other leadership group. these guys are here to play hockey. they know that. that's what they want to do. they don't like being involved in these type of decisions, that's my experience. the fact that kris was connor's coach in erie in 2014, 15, it only has something to do with us because kris knoblauch is a really good coach. connor didn't have anything to do with this decision, and neither did the other leadership group."

Can you tell me if this is how the organization works now? There should have been some coordination between the two big heads of the front-office before the media conference, but that's not how it works anymore.

Shameful.