Ken Holland could be making a surprising return to NHL management. The former Oilers and Red Wings boss is reportedly the Islanders’ top pick for their open GM position, according to The Athletic’s Arthur Staple.
It’s an interesting choice. Holland, who turns 70 this November, hasn’t run a team since parting ways with Edmonton after their Stanley Cup Final appearance last season. He’s stayed connected to hockey though, working as a league consultant.
The man knows how to win. Holland’s got four Stanley Cup rings from his time as a GM, and that kind of success is hard to ignore.
The Islanders are actually looking to fill two big jobs – General Manager and President of Hockey Operations. These opened up when they let go of Lou Lamoriello last month. Word is they’d love for Holland to take both roles.
But here’s the big question: Does Holland even want the job? Most people thought he was done with day-to-day team management.
The Islanders haven’t just been looking at Holland. They’ve had their eye on several candidates:
Kate Madigan, the Devils’ assistant GM, was supposed to get an interview, though things have gone quiet on that front.
They also reached out to the Canadiens about Jeff Gorton, their executive VP of hockey ops, but that probably didn’t go anywhere.
Marc Bergevin’s name has come up too. He’s currently with the Kings as a senior advisor and might be in the mix, though he’s also the favorite to take over as GM in Los Angeles.
A couple other names – former Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekäläinen and Blues VP Peter Chiarelli – have been mentioned, but they seem like long shots at this point.
The ball’s in Holland’s court now. If he wants to add another chapter to his legendary NHL career, the job looks like it’s his for the taking.
