Ken Holland’s time is over.
Just three days after losing to the Panthers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, the team confirmed in June that they would not be renewing their general manager’s contract, which was in its final month.
Oilers chief hockey operations Jeff Jackson reportedly said the decision was mutual.
Holland’s job security has been in question all season and those doubts only intensified throughout the playoffs.
“During the past five seasons as general manager, Ken has not only developed the Edmonton Oilers into one of the best teams in the NHL, but has established a deep-rooted foundation of success and a winning culture that will continue into the future.” Jackson said in a statement Thursday.“Ken’s incredible work has made Edmonton a city that’s a magnet for National Hockey League players.”
The Oilers had stars in Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid and were hoping the addition of Holland would give them the type of team they needed to bring home their first Stanley Cup since 1990.
Holland continued that effort by using forwards Warren Vogel, Zach Hyman and Evander Kane to bolster the offense, and Cody Ceci, Mattias Ekholm and Brett Clark on defense.
Hyman scored 54 goals this season, Vogel recorded career highs of 20 goals and 41 points, and Kane also scored 24 goals in an injury-plagued season.
The Oilers also fired head coach Jay Woodcroft after starting the season with 2 wins, 9 losses and 1 tie, and brought in Chris Knobloch to lead a rebuild.
Under Knoblock, the Oilers have recorded 46 wins, 18 losses and five ties, their best record in the NHL since he took over on Nov. 12.
But despite making the playoffs five times each season under Holland, it wasn’t enough to win the title.
The Oilers still trailed by one game after being down 3-0, and the loss understandably led to questions about the team’s future.
Prior to joining Edmonton, Holland served in various roles with the Red Wings for 34 seasons, including general manager since the 1997-98 season.
He won three Stanley Cups with Detroit.
The Oilers have $10,033,000 in cap space this offseason and have 10 unrestricted free agents like Vogel, as well as two restricted free agents waiting in the wings in Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg.
As a result, the team now has seven forwards, five defensemen and two goalkeepers under contract.
