NHL Rumors: Insider tips ex-Oilers GM Ken Holland for interesting new role with Utah HC

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman discussed former Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland's potential future in a June 28 appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

Holland's contract is set to expire on June 30 and speculation is on the rise about his next move. According to Friedman, Holland is expected to have numerous options, with several teams already showing interest.

"I think he will have a lot of options," Friedman said. "Teams are going to reach out to him. Do you want to be a consultant? Do you want to be an advisor?

"I've heard that the new Utah team is interested in having him come on as an advisor. He'll be able to take some time to explore that. I think they're interested. Yes."

Holland's extensive experience and Hall of Fame credentials make him a highly sought-after asset.

An official statement from the Oilers has been issued, stating that the contract of their current GM will not be extended.

As a result, the Oilers may find themselves without a GM in the short term. The team’s recent run to Stanley Cup Game 7 has complicated their ability to focus on finding a replacement.

Holland, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020, narrowly missed securing his fifth Stanley Cup as an executive after the Florida Panthers’ narrow 2-1 victory. In his career, he has won four Stanley Cup trophies with the Detroit Red Wings.

The Utah team’s interest in Holland is particularly important, as they seek to establish a solid foundation for their organization.

Edmonton Oilers' statement for Ken Holland

Edmonton Oilers issued a statement about Ken Holland on Thursday, June 27. In it, they mentioned that both the team and Holland mutually agreed not to extend their contract.

"The Edmonton Oilers and Ken Holland have mutually agreed that his contract will not be extended beyond the end of its current term," Oilers' statement reads.

"Over the past five seasons as General Manager, Ken has not only built the Edmonton Oilers into one of the NHL's best teams, he has also established a deeply rooted foundation of success and a culture of winning that will continue well into the future."

The statement concludes with these words:

"Thanks in large part to Ken's outstanding work, Edmonton has become a destination city for players around the National Hockey League."

So, Ken Holland will be a free agent after the expiration of his contract. However, what role he takes up next is not certain at the moment.