Oilers GM Ken Holland opens up about trade deadline process before he retires

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Liam McCormick
March 3, 2024 (11:46)

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The Oilers are heading into this year's trade deadline and playoffs in a very unique situation. The team is clearly competing for a Stanley Cup this year, but still, General Manager Ken Holland is very likely working his final year in the NHL. Now 68 years old and in the final year of his contract with the Oilers, Holland is believed to be retiring at the end of this year.

It creates a difficult position for the Oilers organization in a pivotal year for the team - how much autonomy will President Jeff Jackson allow Holland at the deadline knowing that he won't be back next year? In a recent interview with the Athletic's Daniel Nugent-Bowman, Holland revealed that Jackson does have to give the final green light on any moves Holland makes.

I'm working hand in hand with Jeff. We talk lots every day. Ultimately, when it comes time to pull the trigger, obviously Jeff Jackson and I will be working hand in hand.

It's a smart decision from the Oilers organization to bring on Jackson last offseason to guide the team through this clear transition year, and into a new GM next year. Jackson is likely preventing any moves of colossal impact that could harm the team in the future, especially considering the space to sign McDavid and Draisaitl's next contracts.

Multiple candidates have already been linked to succeed Holland as the Oilers GM, including Mark Hunter, Keith Gretzky, Brad Holland, and Dave Gagner - Sam Gagner's father.

Ken Holland has obviously made both good and bad moves in recent years, but if the Oilers can win a Stanley Cup this year in his final season, he'll be remembered as the one that finally put together a winning formula. The right moves to strengthen the team at the deadline will be critical, but everyone knows that the Oilers will go as far as their generational superstars can carry them.