Ken Holland's contract is up as General Manager of the Oilers, and Darren Dreger is reporting the team will not be renewing him in that capacity. The Oilers are offering Holland another role within the organization, but it's been reported that the 68-year old is considering retirement. As of now, Holland will not be present at the draft.
Team President Jeff Jackson will likely run the Oilers draft and free agency in the interim with assistant General Manager Brad Holland. Despite the fact the team has been making an unreal playoff push, Jackson is believed to have been exploring candidates for the next General Manager.
Most recently, Mark Hunter was cited as the most likely candidate from several NHL sources, including Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman. In addition, Brad Holland, Keith Gretzky, and Mathieu Darche have been listed as candidates.
The Oilers are at a pivotal point for the franchise at the moment. Coming off a Game 7 loss in the Cup Final, they've proven they have the talent and personnel to be considered serious contenders. They need to sign Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard to long term contracts, and if they do, they'll be competing for several more Stanley Cups.
