Oilers Hire Ken Holland as GM and President of Hockey Operations

[Josh]

Ken Holland has joined the Oilers. Importantly, the role comes with "full autonomy over all aspects of hockey operations".

Will be very interesting to see who he picks as coach. Any ideas?

[matchesmalone]

I'm still baffled that the Sabres haven't snatched up Boucher. Seems like a perfect fit there. Maybe the Oilers will. Also heard rumors about Rikard Gronberg or Sheldon Keefe. I dunno, I feel like if anybody is gonna give Gronberg a shot it might be Holland. But on the other hand it seems like a huge risk, and I'm not sure that's how Holland wants to start his tenure there.

[Josh]

I think it’ll be Dave Tippett or Todd Nelson. Maybe Nelson as assistant if he’d go for that after being HC in Edmonton once before..

[matchesmalone]

Hm. I figured Tippet was kind of "on reserve" by Seattle. But the "experts" are saying he might consider going elsewhere for the right offer and situation.

I can't really imagine Nelson going back there, despite the Detroit connection. If I had to guess I'd say Sheldon Keefe; some team is going to make that guy an NHL head coach, guaranteed.