NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Media Day - Source: Imagn — Paul Bissonnette urges fans to refrain from criticizing Oilers’ Stan Bowman hire (Imagn)

"Back off at this point": Paul Bissonnette urges fans to refrain from criticizing Oilers’ Stan Bowman hire

Modified Jul 30, 2024 15:54 GMT

The Edmonton Oilers have the unenviable task of trying to remedy a Stanley Cup Final loss in the 2024-2025 season, and they brought in GM Stan Bowman to help them get over the hump. The move has not been without criticism. Many fans, pundits, and analysts have voiced their displeasure, but not Paul Bissonnette.

Bissonnette said on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast (42:45):

"If Kyle Beach is okay with it and giving him his blessing, I would imagine that everybody else who is passionate about this can maybe back off from it at this point. I know that they had a petition going where 5,000 people signed where they want the resignation of Stan Bowman, but I think it seems like it's time where everybody has healed enough to where the reinstatement process can occur."

Bissonnette is a former hockey player himself, having played for the Phoenix Coyotes and Pittsburgh Penguins. He believes that if Kyle Beach, a player who was sexually assaulted while Bowman was the GM of his team, has no problem with this move, then everyone else should take a deep breath.

He reported that somewhere around 5,000 people had signed a petition to get Bowman to resign, but Bissonnette believes that is foolish and that everyone should move on with their lives.

Edmonton Oilers CEO speaks on Stan Bowman hiring

Stan Bowman had not had a job since being let go by the Chicago Blackhawks after a sexual assault scandal. Bowman vowed to never let something like that happen under his watch ever again.

Stan Bowman has been hired by the Oilers

Edmonton Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson said via ESPN that they believe his success (following his official reinstation) prompted the Oilers to bring him in:

"I believe his vast experience and proven success in this role, together with the important work he has done in his time away from the game, fits our goal of being best in class when it comes to all facets of our organization. Through our many conversations, we share a common vision of where we are as a team and what is required to achieve another Stanley Cup title."

As for whether or not it will help them get over the hump and win the Stanley Cup Final, that remains to be seen. Bowman was the GM for the Blackhawks who won the Final in 2010, 2013, and 2015, so he has a championship pedigree unmatched by most GMs working today.