Is this Ken Holland's final year in Edmonton?

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Joshua Deeds
August 9, 2023 (1:30)

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It appears that changes may be in store for the Edmonton Oilers with the recent hiring of Jeff Jackson as CEO of Hockey Operations.

While the primary goal of this hiring may be to ensure that star player Connor McDavid remains with the team long-term, it raises questions about the future of General Manager Ken Holland.

Holland is currently in the final year of his contract. Despite his success in stabilizing the Oilers' roster and turning them into contenders, there are no guarantees he will be retained beyond this season.

Holland took over the team after a disappointing 79-point season under previous GM Peter Chiarelli and has since helped to build a stronger, more competitive team. However, managing the roster has been challenging due to escrow debt and a flat salary cap.

Despite what the many armchair general managers on Twitter or X might think, Holland has done a good job as general manager of the Oilers. I would rank him right up there with former Oilers coach and general manager Glen Sather as one of the best executives the franchise has had.

Despite Holland's impressive track record - he has won four Stanley Cups, three as a general manager - Jackson has not indicated whether he plans to keep Holland on board.

It is unclear whether the Oilers have a successor in mind or if they will look to promote from within or seek external candidates if Holland is not retained.

As Seen On: thehockeywriters.com