Postmedia’s Rob Wong speaks with Edmonton Journal Oilers writer Gerry Moddejonge about the Oilers hiring Stan Bowman as their new GM. They discuss whether Bowman was the right hire after he was recently reinstated by the NHL and what moves could still be on the horizon for the team this offseason.
**Is Stan Bowman the Right Hire for the Oilers?**
As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for the upcoming season, their decision to bring Stan Bowman on board as a key figure in the organization has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts. Known for his successful tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he played a pivotal role in their three Stanley Cup victories, Bowman’s appointment raises the question: Is he the right fit for the Oilers?
**Bowman’s Track Record**
Stan Bowman’s resume is impressive. Under his leadership as General Manager from 2009 to 2021, the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015. His tenure was marked by a commitment to building a winning team through a combination of savvy trades, smart draft picks, and effective player development. Bowman’s ability to assemble and maintain a championship-caliber roster is undeniable, showcasing his skills in strategic planning and team management.
**The Oilers’ Situation**
The Oilers, despite having a roster brimming with talent, including superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have struggled to translate that potential into playoff success. Over the past decade, they have faced issues with team consistency, depth, and overall performance. The hiring of Bowman is seen by many as a move to address these issues and bring a fresh perspective to the Oilers’ front office.
**Potential Benefits of the Hire**
1. **Experience and Proven Success**: Bowman’s history of constructing championship teams could be a major asset for the Oilers. His experience in managing high-pressure situations and building competitive teams will be crucial as the Oilers aim to break their playoff drought and compete at the highest level.
2. **Strategic Vision**: Known for his analytical approach and keen understanding of the game, Bowman could bring a new strategic vision to the Oilers. His ability to identify and address team needs, whether through trades, drafts, or free-agent signings, could help in optimizing the Oilers’ roster.
3. **Player Development**: Under Bowman, the Blackhawks saw the development of several key players who became central to their success. His experience in nurturing young talent could be beneficial for the Oilers, especially in developing their prospects and integrating them into the main roster.
**Concerns and Challenges**
1. **Past Controversies**: Bowman’s tenure with the Blackhawks was not without controversy. His role in the team’s handling of certain off-ice issues, including allegations related to the 2010 sexual assault scandal, could affect perceptions of his leadership. The Oilers will need to navigate these concerns and ensure that his hiring aligns with the team’s values and goals.
2. **Adapting to a New Environment**: While Bowman’s success with the Blackhawks is notable, the Oilers present a different set of challenges. The Oilers’ roster and organizational culture differ significantly from those of the Blackhawks during his tenure. Adapting to these differences and implementing changes effectively will be crucial for Bowman’s success.
3. **Fan Expectations**: With high-profile hires often come high expectations. The Oilers’ fan base is eager for success, and any perceived missteps by Bowman could lead to increased scrutiny. Managing these expectations while working towards long-term goals will be a critical part of his role.
Our View
Stan Bowman’s appointment as a key figure for the Edmonton Oilers brings both promise and uncertainty. His proven track record in building successful teams and his strategic acumen offer a potential boost to an Oilers team looking to achieve sustained success. However, the unique challenges and expectations associated with the Oilers, coupled with past controversies, mean that Bowman’s impact will be closely watched. Only time will tell if he is indeed the right hire for the Oilers and if his presence will help transform their fortunes in the NHL.
Senators acquire Bourgault and Chiasson from Edmonton
The Ottawa Senators have acquired Xavier Bourgault and Jake Chiasson from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Roby Jarventie and the team’s 2025 fourth round pick.
- The Ottawa Senators have acquired forwards Xavier Bourgault and Jake Chiasson from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for forward Roby Jarventie and the team’s 2025 fourth round pick.
**Senators Acquire Bourgault and Chiasson from Oilers**
*By Sydney D’Amico, Senators Digital Editorial Coordinator*
*July 15, 2024*
In a notable move, the Ottawa Senators have acquired forwards Xavier Bourgault and Jake Chiasson from the Edmonton Oilers. The trade sees Ottawa sending forward Roby Jarventie and a 2025 fourth-round pick to Edmonton in exchange.
Xavier Bourgault, selected 22nd overall by the Oilers in the first round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, joins the Senators with a solid track record from the AHL. The 21-year-old forward spent the 2023-24 season with the Bakersfield Condors, Edmonton’s AHL affiliate. Over 55 games, Bourgault recorded eight goals and 12 assists, totaling 20 points. His AHL career spans 117 games, during which he has accumulated 21 goals and 33 assists for 54 points. Bourgault, hailing from L’Islet, Quebec, brings promising potential and a strong offensive presence to the Senators.
Jake Chiasson, also drafted by the Oilers in 2021, was chosen 116th overall in the fourth round. The Abbotsford, British Columbia native had his first professional season last year, primarily with the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL. In 68 games, the 21-year-old forward netted nine goals and added 11 assists, totaling 20 points. Chiasson made a brief appearance with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL, marking his debut on April 20 with a victory over the Henderson Silver Knights.
On the flip side, the Oilers receive forward Roby Jarventie, who was drafted 33rd overall by the Senators in the second round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Jarventie, also 21, had a productive season with Ottawa’s AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators. In 22 regular-season games, he registered 20 points with nine goals and 11 assists. The Tampere, Finland native made his NHL debut with the Senators on November 4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, earning one assist in seven NHL games.
The Senators’ acquisition of Bourgault and Chiasson represents a strategic move to bolster their forward depth, bringing in young talent with significant potential. Meanwhile, Edmonton adds Jarventie, a promising forward with a solid AHL performance and NHL experience, along with an additional draft pick to enhance their future prospects.
Patrick Johnston: After failing Kyle Beach and an unnamed teammate and then a teenager, does Stan Bowman truly understand duty of care?
How can you guarantee you’ll keep me safe? You didn’t keep that teenager safe, let alone Kyle Beach or his John Doe teammate, they would be wise to ask of Stan Bowman, the former Chicago Blackhawks general manager who was hired by the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday to be their new general manager.
Bowman resigned from the Blackhawks in October 2021, after an investigation by law firm Jenner and Block concluded Bowman and his management colleagues mishandled allegations that an assistant coach sexually assaulted Beach during the team’s Stanley Cup run in 2010.
Their inaction would lead to devastating future consequences.
Even though Brad Aldrich resigned shortly after the team won the cup in June 2010, he was allowed to participate in subsequent team celebrations, including having a day with the Stanley Cup. During the June celebrations, the Jenner and Block investigation reported Aldrich made unwanted sexual advances toward a Blackhawks intern.
After leaving the Blackhawks — the team provided him a positive performance review, even after he was forced to resign — Aldrich continued to work in hockey jobs but eventually was convicted of sexual contact with a minor while volunteering as a high-school coach in Michigan in 2013.
After resigning, Bowman was suspended by the NHL indefinitely but his suspension was lifted earlier this month, with commissioner Gary Bettman indicating that Bowman, along with former Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville and former team executive Al MacIsaac, had all done a great deal of work to improve and inform themselves about their past failures and deserved to have a second chance.
The one question Oilers players should have for new GM Stan Bowman
**Patrick Johnston: Does Stan Bowman Truly Understand His Duty of Care?**
In light of recent events, a critical question arises about Stan Bowman’s understanding of his duty of care. Despite his apologies and attempts at redemption, there are lingering concerns about whether he fully grasps the gravity of his past failures.
Bowman, who recently addressed reporters in Edmonton, expressed regret over his handling of the 2010 Kyle Beach incident, saying, “I should have done more.” This statement reflects his acknowledgment of the mistakes made during a pivotal moment when Beach, an emerging star with the Chicago Blackhawks, was subjected to abuse by a coach. Additionally, concerns extend to another unnamed teammate and a teenager involved in related incidents.
Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson has voiced confidence in Bowman’s commitment to rectifying his past errors. Jackson stated, “Stan has acknowledged and taken full responsibility for the inadequate response.” He highlighted that Bowman has dedicated significant time in the past two and a half years to educating himself, particularly through work with Sheldon Kennedy, a leading advocate for addressing abuse and harassment. Kennedy, who leads the Respect Group, has a long history of helping individuals and organizations recognize and prevent bullying, abuse, and discrimination. Kennedy has praised Bowman’s efforts as “sincere,” suggesting that Bowman’s attempts to understand and address his shortcomings are genuine.
Despite these efforts, concerns remain about whether Bowman’s understanding is sufficient. The core issue is not only his acknowledgment of past mistakes but also how he has addressed the broader impact of his actions. Beach settled with the Blackhawks in 2021 after filing a lawsuit, and although Bowman initially reached out to Beach without success, Kennedy encouraged him to reconnect. This led to a meeting between Bowman and Beach last year. Beach, now a coach at Trinity Western University, has had interactions with Bowman, which suggests some progress in their relationship.
However, the situation is more complex than a single interaction. The unresolved cases of other young players, including Beach’s unnamed teammate and a Michigan player who has also sued the Blackhawks, highlight ongoing issues. The teammate, referred to as John Doe in legal documents, has accused the Blackhawks of “utter indifference and/or conscious disregard for the safety of its employees.” This lawsuit underscores the broader implications of Bowman’s past decisions.
Bowman’s response to inquiries about whether he has spoken to these other affected players has been evasive. When asked about the Michigan player and others involved, he expressed empathy but did not provide specific details about his efforts to address their concerns. This lack of clarity raises questions about his genuine understanding and commitment to addressing the full scope of the situation.
The central question remains whether Bowman’s actions and responses are enough to rebuild trust. While his efforts to educate himself and acknowledge his past failures are steps in the right direction, the true test lies in how he engages with and supports all those impacted by the incidents under his watch. Without clear, direct communication and continued meaningful actions, skepticism about his grasp of the duty of care will persist.
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