New GM candidates emerging for selection by Oilers president Jeff Jackson

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Liam McCormick
February 18, 2024 (4:33 PM)

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Despite vying for contention for the Stanley Cup this season, the Oilers are expected to make a change at the General Manager position at the end of this year. Now 68 years old and after decades as an executive in the NHL, Ken Holland is expected to retire at the end of this season. As a proactive organization under the new leadership of president Jeff Jackson, the team has already begun looking for GM candidates.

In the latest episode of Rink Fries, NHL insider Jeff Marek revealed the leading candidate for the next GM of the Oilers is currently Mark Hunter.

Marek speculated that Jeff Jackson has shown that he's sticking with those that he knows best for roles within the organization after the hiring of Kris Knoblauch. Jackson has had previous experience with Hunter, and as an experienced executive looking for an NHL job, he's become a prime candidate for Oilers GM.

Hunter had an NHL career himself of over 600 games before beginning his work as a full time executive. Hunter learned the tools of the trade by managing the extremely successful London Knights - where he's currently working - and with a short stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs front office with Lou Lamoriello. When Kyle Dubas was hired as Leafs GM, Hunter returned to London.

For the next few seasons where the Oilers will face critical decisions of trying to extend their cup window while also re-signing Draisaitl and McDavid, a good GM hire will be absolutely integral to the success of the team in the next few seasons. Right now, Hunter is as good a candidate as any, especially if he's overseen by the sharp leadership of Jeff Jackson.