Who are the top candidates within the Edmonton Oilers organization to succeed Ken Holland?
The Edmonton Oilers had a special advisor of theirs run away to greener pastures. Steve Staios was appointed to the position of President of Hockey Operations for the Ottawa Senators.
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It's hard to fault Staios for the change in teams. Jeff Jackson was recently hired to the same position - but for the Oilers. Staios would have had to wait several years to be given a shot at that position while operating as the Oilers general manager, if he was offered that position. This is a big step for Staios, but one that he obviously feels ready for.
Mattias Ekholm celebrating a goal.So what comes next for the Oilers? Staios was rumored to be Ken Holland's successor. Who is the new front runner now that he is gone? There are two internal candidates who could lay claim to the title.
Keith Gretzky
Keith Gretzky has been the Assistant General Manager for the Oilers for the past seven years. He's served his time with the organization and should be considered for the role once Holland is gone. He knows the organization inside and out, which can only help him if he were to become GM.
Brad Holland
Brad Holland is Ken's son, who was promoted to an Assistant General Manager position at the beginning of last season. He brings a wholistic approach to hockey operations - citing the importance of analytics working together with the "eye test" to have a well rounded view of a player. He hasn't been with the organization for as long as Gretzky has, but I wouldn't count him out of the running.
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