New report connects the Oilers to Mark Hunter and former GM Stan Bowman

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Tyler Ball
July 20, 2024 (5:50 PM)

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Today a new report has connected the Edmonton Oilers to potentially bringing in Chicago Blackhawks controversial General Manager Stan Bowman.

The Edmonton Oilers search for a new permanent General Manager begins. The search began just before the NHL Draft when their now-former General Manager Ken Holland announced he would be stepping away from the team.

As we reach the end of his tenure as #Oilers GM & President of Hockey Operations, we thank Ken Holland for his contributions to the team over the past five seasons.

Since the end of Ken Holland's tenure as General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers, he has been temporarily replaced by Jeff Jackson. In the time since his departure, the Oilers have made a pair of major trades that have many people wanting Jeff Jackon to stick around.

However, today a new report has revealed that the Oilers seem to have other plans in mind to bring in someone with experience as a General Manager. This has led to reports that Stan Bowman could be in consideration.

Oilers connected to Stan Bowman in a new report

The Chicago Blackhawks were forced to part with infamous General Manager Stan Bowman after it was revealed he covered up crimes committed by a staff member. Since that time he had been banned from the NHL while he worked on understanding his wrongdoings.

In the last couple of weeks, it had been reported that teams had checked in to see if Stan Bowman could be reinstated. Now there are reports that Stan Bowman is being strongly considered for a front-office position with the Edmonton Oilers.

All signs seem to be pointing to Stan Bowman joining the Edmonton Oilers in some capacity as the team continues their GM search.

Hearing he could join as a senior advisor to the GM, but Jeff Jackson seemed adamant that he had not spoken to Bowman at all during the hiring process.

According to another report Stan Bowman is likely to come on as a special advisor while the new General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers is expected to be London Knights owner and front office member Mark Hunter.

Expect the Oilers to name Mark Hunter as their next GM this week. Stan Bowman still working through his options, but don't be surprised if he comes on as senior advisor to the GM.
#letsgooilers

This hiring would be a huge mistake by the Edmonton Oilers. Stan Bowman showed with the Blackhawks that he clearly does not care bout those who work for him and their safety. If he is put in charge of another organization it opens the Oilers up to have things swept under the rug.

I hate the argument that Joel Quenneville and Stan Bowman "deserve a right to make a living." Are they only capable of working in the NHL? Is that the only job available to these two adult men? I was unaware they were ineligible for work in every other aspect of life.

If the Edmonton Oilers do end up bringing in Stan Bowman expect backlash on the levels of the Mitchell Miller signing by the Boston Bruins or the Columbus Blue Jackets hiring of Mike Babcock. If that does end up being the reaction then the Oilers could change course quickly and retract his return offer.