Columbus Could Be Waiting For The Oilers To Decide Ken Holland's Future According To NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman

The Blue Jackets have been extremely quiet in terms of their GM search, leading to wild speculation and constant rumors. Until the team comes out themselves and tells us who they want or who they've interviewed, the rumors and speculation won't stop. So, here's another one.

NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman wonders if Columbus is waiting for a certain team to end their playoff run so they can figure out what to do next. That team is the Edmonton Oilers. 

According to Friedman, Columbus could very well be waiting to see how the GM situation plays out in Alberta before determining who to hire. On April 1st, the team announced that they had signed Ken Holland to a five-year contract extension. Ken Holland is currently the General Manager and President of Hockey Operations in Edmonton and has been there since 2019.

Elliotte says, "I'm under the impression that they're still waiting to talk to people. What's going to happen in Edmonton after the season? That is, I think, one of the situations that could have an effect on Columbus."

Now whether that means the CBJ are just waiting for the Oilers to decide on Holland's future and see where he lands, or that means that maybe the Columbus Blue Jackets could take a swing at Holland himself is yet to be seen. But it's very possible, that even at 68 years of age, the Jackets could try to land Holland.

Before the Oilers, he was the GM in Detroit, leading the Red Wings to three Stanley Cups, four President's trophies, and 789 wins. He was also inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020. 

Could the Jackets lure Holland away from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl even if they decide to keep him? Edmonton is considered a hockey mecca and getting Holland could be the magic Columbus needs. The Edmonton Oilers haven't won a Cup while he's been there and fans are getting anxious up there. McDavid and Draisaitl are 27 and 28 respectively and although they put up monster numbers, they need to win. There are media and fans in Edmonton who have called for Holland's job even. So maybe it isn't all roses and sunshine in Oil Land. 

Many people who follow the Columbus Blue Jackets want ownership to spend big on the front office and spare no expense. Could the McConnells go as big as Ken Holland? Is he even a realistic choice? Maybe he's too big for Columbus. They want someone with experience, but just how much?

Another day, another rumor about the vacant GM position. It's fun to talk about and speculate if nothing else. 

More From THN Columbus

Be sure to bookmark THN.com/Columbus for all of your Columbus Blue Jackets news and notes.