The Edmonton Oilers announced on Wednesday that the club had hired former Chicago Blackhawks executive Stan Bowman to become their new GM and Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations.
Bowman becomes the 11th GM in franchise history, and comes with a wealth of front office experience. He previously worked with the Blackhawks organization from 2000-2021, with 12 of those years coming as General Manager.
During that time, the club captured 3 Stanley Cup championships (2010, 2013, and 2015), along with a President’s Trophy in 2013.
“I am excited and pleased to be welcoming Stan to the Edmonton Oilers,” said Jeff Jackson, Oilers CEO of Hockey Operations. “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 hiring doesn’t come without controversy however, as Bowman previously resigned from his position with Chicago in 2021 in the wake of the Kyle Beach sexual assault scandal. An independent investigation determined that the Blackhawks organization “mishandled” the allegations made by Beach regarding video coach Brad Aldridge.
As a result, Bowman, coach Joel Quenneville, and fellow executive Al MacIsaac were all prohibited from working in the NHL indefinitely. All three were reinstated by the league earlier this month, with Bowman becoming the first executive to be re-hired.
Since news initially broke regarding the hiring, reaction has been swift and divisive online. Many fans believe that it’s a privilege to work in the NHL, and that given Bowman’s history, that’s a privilege which shouldn’t be restored. Others however feel as though the new Oilers’ GM has put in the necessary work to learn from his past mistakes.
Fans should however receive some additional clarity on what went into the hiring process when Jackson and Bowman speak to the media later today.
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