Oilers Appoint New General Manager

Stan Bowman is making his comeback to the NHL. The Edmonton Oilers have appointed him as their new general manager, as announced on Wednesday.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman initially broke the news earlier that morning.

Bowman succeeds Ken Holland, who did not receive a contract extension from the Oilers after his deal expired on June 30. Holland had led the team to a deep playoff run, reaching Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Previously, Bowman served as the general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks. Alongside coach Joel Quenneville and executive Al MacIsaac, Bowman was banned from holding executive positions in the NHL in 2021. This followed an independent investigation which revealed their mishandling of sexual assault allegations made by former player Kyle Beach against the team's video coach, Brad Aldrich, in 2010. The Blackhawks were fined $2 million by the league and settled with Beach for an undisclosed amount in December 2021.

At a press conference in Edmonton, Jeff Jackson, Oilers CEO of hockey operations, addressed Bowman's past actions. "What happened to Kyle Beach in 2010 was wrong and wasn't handled properly," Jackson stated. "Stan has acknowledged and taken full responsibility for the inadequate response. He's spent a great deal of time in the past two and a half years educating himself and learning."

Bowman also addressed the issue. "My response was inadequate back in 2010. I didn't handle things properly and should have done more," Bowman admitted. "I regret that and have tried to learn from it."

All three executives involved were reinstated by the NHL on July 1 and were eligible to sign contracts as of July 10. Bowman shared that he called Beach to inform him of his new role with the Oilers, describing their conversation as "encouraging." He noted that he has maintained conversations with Beach since leaving the Blackhawks, both personally and through his work with the Respect Group.

Sheldon Kennedy, co-founder of the Respect Group, supported Bowman's return, stating that Bowman's acknowledgment of past mistakes and efforts to improve the hockey culture make him a valuable asset. Kennedy was present at Bowman's introductory press conference and endorsed him to the Oilers organization.

The Respect Group trains Canadians on preventing bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Bowman has participated in their Respect Charter pilot program and co-facilitated a session where Beach was also present.

Bowman, who served in the Blackhawks organization from 2009 to 2021, won the Stanley Cup three times during his tenure. He is the son of Hockey Hall of Fame coach Scotty Bowman.