A new name has emerged in the Edmonton Oilers search for a new general manager. Former Chicago Blackhawks executive Stan Bowman is the name.
Disgraced Executive Emerges As A Candidate
Dreger: "I want to connect Stan (Bowman) to Edmonton in some capacity if not a candidate for the vacancy of GM, maybe he fits in hockey operations in another way. Undoubtedly the Oilers are going to show some interest" (Ray & Dregs Podcast)
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) July 3, 2024
The Oilers need for a new general manager arose after the team decided to part ways with Ken Holland following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final.
Bowman, the son of Hall of Famer Scotty Bowman, was recently reinstated following an indefinite suspension from the NHL. Bowman, along with Joel Quenneville and Al MacIsaac were indefinitely suspended in 2021 for their failure to report allegations of sexual during the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The three can be hired no earlier than July 10.
Despite Controversy, Bowman Has a Championship Resume
The most recent dynasty in the NHL is the Chicago Blackhawks. The team won three Stanley Cups from 2010-2015. Bowman was the architect of the dynasty as the team’s general manager. Bowman continuously brought in players who would make impacts on the team’s success. Some of the more notable names include Marian Hossa and Ray Emery.
Similarities Between 2010 Blackhawks And Current Oilers Suggest Bowman Is a Fit
The 2010 Blackhawks had a pair of generational talents in Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Bowman built a team around them that could contend. Furthermore, the Blackhawks had an emerging goalie in Antti Niemi. The Oilers are very similar. The team has a pair of generational talents in Connor McDavid, the 2024 Conn Smythe winner, and Leon Draisaitl. Stuart Skinner has emerged as their goalie.
The difference between the two teams is Bowman took over earlier and pretty much built the entire Blackhawks team. The Oilers have many pieces already on the team, such as Evander Kane and Corey Perry. If Bowman were hired, he would already have a significant part of the team constructed. However, he would still have the opportunity to influence the team.
Other Fits Within Oilers
While Bowman makes sense as the team’s general manager, it is possible they hire him in another role. At this time, it is unclear what the role would be. If Bowman is hired in another position other than general manager, he could still influence the hockey operations of the team.
What About the Backlash?
The team who hires Bowman will undoubtedly be exposed to backlash. The 2010 sexual assault allegations remain a dark event in the history of the NHL. The league has expressed confidence that Bowman and the other two have made “significant strides” in improving themselves. If a team is to hire any of these three men, they can expect them to advocate against these types of things in the future. The league and all major sports in general, has made great strides in repairing certain mistakes, such as today’s news of the Seattle Kraken hiring the first woman to ever coach behind an NHL bench. The past damage cannot be undone, therefore a goal of building a better future is the only option for the three, and the entire sport community.
Mandatory Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
