In what can only be described as a tale of two cities, being at the helm of a team with a fan base as fervent as the Edmonton Oilers can bring both triumph and tribulation. Moves made by the general manager in a market like Edmonton are dissected and analyzed with the intensity of a code-breaking exercise akin to the mysteries in the Da Vinci Code. With that in mind, Ken Holland’s tenure as Edmonton Oilers General Manager has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows.
The news of Ken Holland stepping down as the Edmonton Oilers GM sparked reflections on his best and worst moves during his time with the team. One of the standout acquisitions made by Holland was Mattias Ekholm from the Nashville Predators in a surprising deadline trade in 2023. Ekholm’s impact on the team was immediate, as the Oilers went on a 14-0-4 run in the last 18 games of the season after his arrival. He brought a defensive identity to the team while maintaining offensive prowess, posting career-high numbers in points and goals the following season.
The addition of Ekholm also played a pivotal role in the emergence of Evan Bouchard, who flourished under Ekholm’s guidance and became a Norris Trophy candidate. The trade for Ekholm opened up opportunities for players like Bouchard to showcase their skills and elevate their game to new heights, a move that proved to be beneficial for the Oilers.
Another shining moment for Holland was the signing of Zach Hyman as a free agent in 2021, a move that has been hailed as one of the best free agent signings in a decade. Hyman’s transformation from a complementary player to a scoring ace proved pivotal for the Oilers, as he became a crucial member of the team’s top line alongside superstar Connor McDavid. His grit, scoring ability, and relentless work ethic brought a new dimension to the team’s forward group.
In addition to player acquisitions, Holland’s decision to bring in Kris Knoblauch as head coach also paid off handsomely. Following a rough start to the 2023-24 season, Knoblauch guided the team to an impressive turnaround, finishing with a stellar record and setting a new winning streak for the franchise. His leadership and strategic acumen helped propel the Oilers to new heights, showcasing his ability to succeed under pressure.
As Oilers CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson aptly put it, “Ken Holland has left an indelible mark on the Edmonton Oilers organization, making strategic moves that have shaped the team’s success and laid the groundwork for a bright future. While there have been challenges along the way, his tenure will be remembered for the highs and lows that come with the territory of managing a team like the Oilers.”
