In a surprising turn of events, the NHL has been buzzing with news of Peter Chiarelli's imminent return to the league, this time possibly as the General Manager for the Ottawa Senators. The reports emerged following a major shake-up in the Senators' front office, with Pierre Dorion being relieved of his duties today. While this development has sparked excitement in some quarters, it has also ignited controversy and skepticism among fans and critics.

Chiarelli's name has been making the rounds as a GM replacement for the Ottawa Senators, but not without its share of detractors. One vocal Edmonton Oilers fan captured the sentiment with a tweet that read,

This tweet underscores the polarizing nature of Chiarelli's return to the NHL.

Chiarelli's tenure as the General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers left a mark, and not necessarily a positive one. One of the most criticized moves during his time in Edmonton was the signing of Milan Lucic to an exorbitant seven-year, $42 million contract, which pays him a staggering $6 million per season. The contract, set to expire when Lucic is approximately 35 years old, has proven nearly impossible to buy out, burdening the Oilers with a significant cap hit.

Perhaps the most glaring blemish on Chiarelli's record was the trade of Taylor Hall, a future MVP and a vital asset near the prime of his career, for Adam Larsson, a defenseman deemed by many as a borderline second-pairing player. This trade, widely considered one of the worst in Oilers history, fueled frustration among fans, particularly in the context of the Oilers' struggles to assemble a successful supporting cast for stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Now, with the news of Peter Chiarelli's impending appointment as the Ottawa Senators' General Manager, there is a palpable sense of uncertainty and concern among Sens fans. His past decisions and their long-lasting impact on teams have not been forgotten, and many question whether he can bring the positive change the Senators need.

The return of Peter Chiarelli to the NHL is a contentious topic, one that is likely to dominate discussions in the hockey world. While some believe in the possibility of redemption and a fresh start in Ottawa, others remain skeptical, given the memories of past decisions that continue to reverberate throughout the league. Only time will tell how Chiarelli's new chapter with the Ottawa Senators will unfold, and whether it will be marked by success or further controversy.