Former Oilers GM Ken Holland Lands New Role in NHL
Ken Holland’s post-Edmonton destination has finally been revealed as he joins the NHL as a hockey operations consultant.
Holland was last seen during the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers. Shortly after, it was confirmed that he wouldn’t return as the Oilers’ President of Hockey Operations and General Manager for the 2024-25 season.
Speculation followed regarding his next move, but the NHL’s public relations team announced Tuesday that Holland has been appointed as a Consultant in the NHL’s Hockey Operations Department. Colin Campbell, NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, expressed enthusiasm about the hiring, highlighting Holland’s extensive experience in the sport as a player, scout, and executive.
Despite his age and long career, the 69-year-old Holland’s continued involvement in hockey underscores his enduring passion for the game. After five decades in the NHL, Holland doesn’t need to work for financial reasons, but his love for the sport keeps him going.
From an Oilers’ standpoint, it was disappointing that Holland couldn’t deliver a Stanley Cup during his tenure. Edmonton came close, falling just one win and two goals short of their first championship since 1990. Holland faced intense pressure in Edmonton, as the Oilers have one of the most passionate fan bases in the NHL. However, he led the team to the playoffs in each of his five seasons, though they couldn’t secure hockey’s ultimate prize.
Regardless of opinions on his time with the Oilers, Holland’s broader legacy remains positive. He won four Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings, three as General Manager, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder in 2020.
Holland is respected throughout the NHL, having served on the NHL/NHLPA Competition Committee and the General Manager Executive Committee. Oilers fans will likely wish him the best in his new role, and some may even miss his leadership in Edmonton.
