Jackson is looking to hire a new GM as soon as possible, and now according to Andy Strickland, the Oilers are considering former Blackhawks manager Stan Bowman for the role.
Bowman became the general manager of the Blackhawks in 2009, and went on to win three Stanley Cups with the franchise. He resigned in 2021 as he was found to have neglected claims of assault against a video coach from former player Kyle Beach, and Bowman has since been barred from the NHL, along with his coach Joel Quenneville.
Strickland is reporting that Bowman may be made eligible to return to the NHL soon, and the Oilers would be interested in him for the role. Bowman certainly checks boxes for a manager with championship pedigree and ability to retain a winning roster, but fans are incredibly hesitant to hire someone who ignored such a claim from their player.
For his inactions and the culture that they allowed to continue at the expense of their employees, Joel Quenneville and Stan Bowman both should never be able to be employed in the NHL again. After how likeable the Oilers team and organization proved themselves to be this playoffs, hiring Stan Bowman would destroy tons of goodwill within the Oilers and NHL fanbase.
Other than Stan Bowman, the Edmonton Oilers have been linked to hiring Brad Holland, Keith Gretzky, Mathieu Darche, and Mark Hunter at the General Manager position. While none may have the Stanley Cups that Bowman has, any of them would be an infinitely better hire.
