Oilers writer reveals shocking candidate for next GM after Ken Holland
For the Edmonton Oilers right now, all focus is on the Stanley Cup Final. Still, some behind the scenes work needs to be done soon, starting with General Manager Ken Holland.
Oilers president Jeff Jackson spoke yesterday to Pierre LeBrun, and only stated that the next General Manager hire is on the docket, but will be addressed at the end of the playoffs. A few candidates for the next Oilers Manager have already been revealed, but now Oilers writer Allan Mitchell has predicted Paul Coffey could be the next GM.
»We're not dealing with any of that until we're done the playoffs,» Jackson said regarding a managerial succession plan. «It can't be any sort of speculation or discussion that's going to be a distraction from the team. We're operating day to day.»
- Oilers President Jeff Jackson
- Oilers President Jeff Jackson
Now 68 years old, there's been plenty of reports circulating that Holland will consider retirement at the end of this season, something that could be made easier in the wake of a Stanley Cup victory. Throughout the season, candidates including Mark Hunter, and Brad Holland and Keith Gretzky who are both already within the organization. Now, Allan Mitchell is mentioning another internal promotion with assistant coach and franchise legend Paul Coffey.
»Paul Coffey's bio and photo is right next to Jeff Jackson's on the Oilers hockey ops page . . . I think he might be the next general manager of the Edmonton Oilers. It's absolutely an Oilers style hire. If Edmonton wins the Stanley this month, owner Daryl Katz is going to want to reward the people who got them there . . . I can see Paul Coffey as the next general manager of the Edmonton Oilers.»
Of the candidates listed above, Mark Hunter is the most qualified for his experience in hockey operations with the Maple Leafs and decades with the London Knights. Brad Holland and Keith Gretzky have been earning their stripes within the scouting division and Bakersfield Condors executive level, but Paul Coffey is an NHL legend and has played a direct hand in improving this team on the ice.
Whoever the next General Manager is for the Oilers, they'll clearly have a lot of runway to build off of. This team has elite talent that can take them through the playoffs, but multiple big contracts will need to be signed soon including Draisaitl, McDavid, and Bouchard. If the Oilers get their next Manager hire correct, they could build a full dynasty in Edmonton.
Paul Coffey emerges as candidate for Oilers General Manager next season
Of the candidates listed above, Mark Hunter is the most qualified for his experience in hockey operations with the Maple Leafs and decades with the London Knights. Brad Holland and Keith Gretzky have been earning their stripes within the scouting division and Bakersfield Condors executive level, but Paul Coffey is an NHL legend and has played a direct hand in improving this team on the ice.
Whoever the next General Manager is for the Oilers, they'll clearly have a lot of runway to build off of. This team has elite talent that can take them through the playoffs, but multiple big contracts will need to be signed soon including Draisaitl, McDavid, and Bouchard. If the Oilers get their next Manager hire correct, they could build a full dynasty in Edmonton.
| POLL | ||
Would you like Paul Coffey as the Oilers next General Manager? | ||
| Yes, hire Paul Coffey | 158 | 51.6 % |
| No, hire someone else | 98 | 32 % |
| Give me Brad Holland or Keith Gretzky | 26 | 8.5 % |
| See Results | 24 | 7.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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