The Edmonton Oilers have hired Stan Bowman as General Manager and Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations.
The #Oilers have named Stan Bowman General Manager & Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 24, 2024
Oilers Hire Bowman
“I am excited and pleased to be welcoming Stan to the Edmonton Oilers,” said Jeff Jackson, Oilers CEO. “I believe his vast experience and proven success in this role, together with the important work he has done in his time away from the game, fits our goal of being best in class when it comes to all facets of our organization. Through our many conversations, we share a common vision of where we are as a team and what is required to achieve another Stanley Cup title.”
The Oilers were seeking a new general manager. A few days after losing Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers parted ways with Ken Holland. Bowman was considered to be a candidate for the job.
Bowman’s Hockey Resume Speaks for Itself
In 2009, Bowman became the general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks. Bowman became the architect of the Blackhawks dynasty. The Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015. Furthermore, the Blackhawks won the President’s Trophy in 2013 and reached the Western Conference Final an additional two times.
Scandal has Overshadowed Legacy
Bowman’s reputation as a general manager took a backseat in 2022. Bowman and others, including Head Coach Joel Quenneville, were indefinitely suspended from the NHL after it was discovered they failed to properly act on a case of sexual assault within the organization. During the Blackhawks Stanley Cup run in 2010, player Kyle Beach was sexually assaulted by video coach Brad Aldrich.
Bowman stepped down from his role with the Blackhawks and has been out of the game since. However, Bowman, along with the others from the suspended party, were reinstated earlier this summer.
Decision Will Be a Public Relations Fiasco for the Oilers
The choice to hire Bowman will no doubt be seen as controversial. Despite being reinstated and the NHL feeling Bowman has done his part to better himself, many will not be so forgiving. Fans of the Oilers may also disapprove of the decision.
The Oilers likely knew there would be backlash if they hired Bowman. One has to assume that they have a plan in place to handle the public relations fiasco that will certainly follow. Moreover, CEO Jeff Jackson, who is highly-respected by the Oiler fanbase, did give his stamp of approval. So the consensus seems to be that due diligence was taken in this process.
Time will tell how this works out for the Oilers. Bowman certainly has the resume that can bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton. However, is a Stanley Cup enough to forget everything else?
Main photo: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
