SAD NEWS: Following The Imminent Announcement Of Of A New GM, Oilers Top Star Expresses Dissatisfaction By Informing The Club He Will Be Leaving To Join The Canucks On A Two-Year Mind Blowing Deal

July 19, 2024 Sportuniverse2 Uncategorized 0

As Oilers Jackson ponders GM appointment, Bowman brings strong reference to table

Edmonton Oilers’ CEO Jeff Jackson is considering former Chicago GM Stan Bowman for the role of general manager. Recently reinstated by the NHL, Bowman receives a strong endorsement from Sheldon Kennedy, who, as a victim of sexual abuse by Graham James during his junior hockey days, speaks highly of Bowman’s character.

In 2021, Bowman, along with coach Joel Quenneville and Hawks executive Al MacIsaac, was suspended by the NHL following an investigation into their handling of allegations regarding former Hawks’ video coach Brad Aldrich’s misconduct with player Kyle Beach in 2010.

Kennedy, through his Respect Group website, commended Bowman for taking accountability and expressed that Bowman genuinely aims to improve. Bowman participated in Respect Group’s training initiatives, engaging with young players and emphasizing the importance of thorough follow-up on all matters, rather than relying on others.

Kennedy believes Bowman’s acknowledgment of past mistakes and commitment to enhancing safety in hockey make him a valuable asset to any organization. With three Stanley Cup victories during his tenure as GM in Chicago from 2009 to 2021, Bowman stands out as the most experienced candidate on Jackson’s list.

Despite Kennedy’s endorsement, questions linger about whether Jackson will proceed with Bowman given his involvement in the sexual assault scandal. Jackson, who has interviewed several candidates to replace Ken Holland, aims to finalize the new GM appointment by month-end.

Longtime Oilers assistant GM Keith Gretzky, responsible for the Bakersfield AHL farm team, appears unlikely to be promoted internally. While valued highly by Jackson, the CEO may opt for an external hire. Gretzky previously served as interim Oilers GM in 2019, executing notable transactions like trading Cam Talbot for Sam Gagner.

Other potential candidates include Mark Hunter, currently with the London Knights, and Jason Botterill from the Seattle Kraken. Shawn Horcoff, Mathieu Darche, Laurence Gilman, Sean Burke, and Ryan Hardy also feature on Jackson’s radar, each bringing diverse experiences and qualifications to the table.

Jackson, a former Maple Leafs front office member, prefers not to take on the day-to-day GM responsibilities, having transitioned into agency work. Ken Holland’s contract expired on June 30, with the Hall of Famer deliberating on his future.

In other hockey news, former Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft interviewed for the Columbus Blue Jackets’ coaching vacancy, competing with Dean Evason for the position. Meanwhile, former NHL coach Todd McLellan was initially a top choice for Columbus but contractual complexities with the Kings intervened.

Keith Gretzky, once a player alongside Columbus president/GM Don Waddell in Flint, maintains a connection with the organization. Additionally, former Oil Kings coach Derek Laxdal has joined Seattle as head coach for their AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley.

 

Canucks Agree to Terms with Defenceman Vincent Desharnais on a Two-Year Contract

 

Vancouver, B.C. – The Vancouver Canucks’ General Manager, Patrik Allvin, has announced today the signing of defenseman Vincent Desharnais to a two-year contract worth an average annual value of $2 million.

Allvin expressed his satisfaction with Desharnais’s development during the past season, particularly noting his impactful performance against the Canucks in the playoffs. “We were really impressed by the strides Vincent made this year at the NHL level,” Allvin commented. “Our team got to see firsthand how big and strong he is on the ice during our playoff series against Edmonton. The coaching staff are really looking forward to working with him this year, to help him grow and improve as a hockey player.”

At 28 years old, Desharnais played 78 games for the Edmonton Oilers during the 2023-24 season, contributing 11 points (1 goal, 10 assists), 54 penalty minutes, and achieving a +3 plus/minus rating. His playoff experience includes 16 games last season, where he recorded one assist and 22 penalty minutes.

Standing at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches and weighing 226 pounds, Desharnais has played all 114 of his NHL regular-season games with Edmonton, tallying 16 points (1 goal, 15 assists), 85 penalty minutes, and a +18 plus/minus rating. In playoff action, he has participated in 28 games, accruing three assists and 30 penalty minutes, with an average ice time of 15 minutes and 41 seconds.

Hailing from Laval, Quebec, Desharnais was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the seventh round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, 183rd overall.

AGREED TO TERMS - VD (1)

The Canucks’ signing of Desharnais underscores their commitment to bolstering their defensive lineup with a player known for his physical presence and defensive capabilities. As he joins Vancouver, Desharnais brings a wealth of experience from his tenure with the Oilers, where his size and defensive skills have made him a formidable opponent on the ice.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*