from Jeff Chapman of Copper and Blue,
Holland’s had some great success in the pre-salary cap era, and that shouldn’t be ignored. But he’s also had some really, really bad, really really bad time in Detroit when forced to work within the confines of the salary cap. This is the guy traded a first round pick and a prospect for Kyle Quincey. Also, the guy who signed Stephen Weiss to a five year deal before buying him out after two injury-riddled seasons. And? He’s got plenty of experience with Bob Nicholson through Hockey Canada, which may suggest loyalty in Nicholson’s favour down the road.
We’ll likely know shortly who will be the next GM of the Edmonton Oilers. For our benefit, we can only hope that a dark horse candidate emerges in the coming days.
added 10:54am, Some comments from Mark Spector's article on Sportsnet yesterday.
Holland got 15 million in LTIR relief, still spends to the cap & came in 28th … this guy is PERFECT for the hapless Oil, hey … have a boo at the masterful job he’s done in Detroit ..
Larkin … 6.1 per … 73 pts …
Nielsen … 5.25 per …35 pts …
Abelkader … 4.25 per …19 pts …
Helm … 3.85 per … 17 pts …
Mantha … 3.3 per … 48 pts …
Athanasiou … 3. Per … 54 pts …
DeKeyser … 5.0 … 20 pts …
I'm torn. Bringing in Ken brings in a veteran well respected proven GM who will not take any guff the OBC.
On the other hand DET has not produced anything in quite some time - has he lost his magic??
I've been on the Hunter(s) GM and HC team since PC was rightfully dumped, but are they ready to lead this cap and mentality challenged team out of this mess??
Whomever it or they are there is work to be done and some of it has to be ugly.