Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Oilers make Holland GM; Hitchcock out as coach

Written by 
Published in Hockey
Tuesday, 07 May 2019 10:43

Longtime Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland was named the new GM and president of hockey operations of the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, and he got right to work.

At his introductory news conference, he said he had already informed Ken Hitchcock that he will not return as coach of the team.

Holland had spent 36 years with the Red Wings organization, including 22 as GM, and was the architect of three Stanley Cup winning teams.

Two weeks ago, Holland's position with the Red Wings shifted to an advisory role when Detroit welcomed Steve Yzerman as the GM. Yzerman, a former Red Wings great, had previously served as the general manager in Tampa Bay.

According to multiple reports, Holland's deal with the Oilers is for five years, at $5 million per year.

The Oilers have missed the playoffs in 12 of the past 13 seasons, despite picking first overall for three straight years from 2010 to 2012 and again in 2015. There is pressure to win while superstar captain Connor McDavid is still in his prime -- and under contract. McDavid, 22, has a deal that runs through 2025-26 with a $12.5 million cap hit.

Holland will report to Oilers CEO Bob Nicholson. According to owner Daryl Katz, Holland will have "full autonomy" in roster decisions.

"I know fans don't want plans and promises," Katz said. "They want results."

Holland said he does expect to implement "some change" but did not provide a timeline or details. He emphasized long-term sustainability, but added: "I'd like to think we are talking playoffs in '19-'20."

Holland will help choose the team's next coach. The Oilers fired Todd McLellan in November, and used longtime NHL coach Hitchcock for the remainder of the season.

Holland, a British Columbia native, called himself a "Western Canadian boy" and he spent lengths listing his personal and family connections to provinces in Western Canada. Holland called the decision to leave the Red Wings "emotional" but said he still had the passion and enthusiasm to be a general manager, which led to him taking the new job.

"I've got a core to work with," Holland said. "Now I've got to go out and support that core, find a coach, and provide stability, and build a program here that our fan base is excited about."

"My job is to provide stability," Holland said, one of a number of times he used the word "stability."

In Holland's tenure, the Red Wings made the playoffs for 25 seasons, which ended in 2017 as the team entered a rebuild.

Read 1801 times

Soccer

Mexico coach confirms talks with U.S.'s Ledezma

Mexico coach confirms talks with U.S.'s Ledezma

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMexico national team head coach Javier Aguirre confirmed he contact...

Klopp's Red Bull move mocked by parade float

Klopp's Red Bull move mocked by parade float

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsRed Bull's new head of global football Jürgen Klopp will have his o...

Mourinho gets 4-game ban for derby comments

Mourinho gets 4-game ban for derby comments

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho was handed a four-match ban and fi...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Buss: Keeping Lakers' Luka talks quiet was key

Buss: Keeping Lakers' Luka talks quiet was key

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLOS ANGELES -- In the days and weeks leading up to her team complet...

Zion's first triple-double a 'reminder' of talent

Zion's first triple-double a 'reminder' of talent

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPHOENIX -- The injuries have taken a toll on Zion Williamson during...

Baseball

Angels SS Neto won't be ready for Opening Day

Angels SS Neto won't be ready for Opening Day

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMESA, Ariz. -- Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto will not be r...

Ex-Twins ML catcher denies giving away pitches

Ex-Twins ML catcher denies giving away pitches

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDerek Bender, the former Minnesota Twins minor league catcher who i...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated