Photo credit: The Hockey News
The Columbus Blue Jackets are searching for a new general manager this offseason, and an NHL reporter has revealed that they might be looking to bring in current Oilers GM Ken Holland.
St. Louis Blues reporter Andy Strickland, known for breaking significant stories, noted that the Blue Jackets appear to be interested in Holland. Holland is in the final year of his contract with the Oilers and may not be extended after the playoffs.
Ken Holland to #CBJ rumors don't seem to quiet down anytime soon. Maybe a long run to the Final would change things but there are many who feel he could be headed to Columbus to fill their GM vacancy. Mentor Rick Nash to eventually take over?
The reaction to this news has been largely negative, as many fans blame Holland for the Oilers' struggles. Despite having stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the team has yet to win a Stanley Cup under his management. They still have a shot this year, but the Vancouver Canucks have posed a tougher challenge than expected, especially with their third-string goalie starting.
Popular hockey media figure Nathan Murdoch joked about the Blue Jackets potentially hiring Holland:
Blue Jackets fans watching their GM candidates be Ken Holland and Marc Bergevin
Another fan was critical of the potential hire:
This team is beyond stupid. JMac Junior probably remembers when Doug said he wouldn't trade his team for Ken Holland's 20 years ago and hasn't paid any attention to what a crap GM he's been since the salary cap was implemented.
The Oilers decision to start career AHL goalie Calvin Pickard in game four against the Canucks has been pointed out as a major mark against Holland. Many fans see this as an indictment of his management.
Ken Holland saw all of the evidence and still put the Oilers in a situation where they are staking an entire playoff run with the two best players in the world on a career AHL goalie.
So, should fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets be excited about the possibility of bringing in Ken Holland? Perhaps not.
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