Why Oilers appointing Stan Bowman as GM could prove to be a monumental mistake

By Cole Shelton

Modified Jul 24, 2024 15:17 GMT

The Edmonton Oilers hired Stan Bowman as their new general manager after Ken Holland completed his contract and decided to not return. The hiring came as a bit of a surprise, due to Bowman's controversial past.

Although Bowman is one of the best general managers in NHL history with what he has accomplished, it comes with plenty of controversy.

Bowman was officially reinstated by the NHL on July 10, making him eligible to work in the league again, and the Oilers quickly hired him. Bowman worked in the Blackhawks front office from 2005 to 2021 and helped the team win three Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015.

However, the biggest reason why the Oilers hiring Stan Bowman could be a colossal mistake is due to his controversial history. Bowman was the GM of the Blackhawks during the Kyle Beach scandal, as the player was sexually assaulted by a staff member and Bowman reportedly knew and didn't do anything about it.

After an NHL investigation took place, Bowman was banned from working in the NHL. But, after three years, he is back in the league but Oilers fans are not happy with the move, which is why it could prove to be a bad idea for Edmonton to hire him.

"Oilers adding another toxic presence to their team who’s surprised," a fan wrote.

"Imagine throwing dirt in the eyes of your entire fanbase like this. Its sickening that you could know full well the backlash and still go forward with this," a fan wrote.

If Bowman doesn't lead the Oilers to the Stanley Cup in his first season with the team, the backlash he and the team will face will be massive. Already fans aren't happy with the hiring and the only way to fix that is to win, and he must do it early to appease the Oilers fans who feel disgusted by the hiring.

Oilers CEO ecstatic to hire Stan Bowman

Although Oilers fans aren't happy with the hiring, Oilers CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson was thrilled by the hiring.

In a statement, Jackson said he thinks Stan Bowman can help lead the Oilers to a Stanley Cup.

"I am excited and pleased to be welcoming Stan to the Edmonton Oilers," Jackson said. "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."

Stan Bowman does have experience winning Stanley Cups and to overcome the backlash, he will need to win one in Edmonton ASAP.