"Not worried but went private, coward" "Tone deaf": NHL fans react as Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson defends Stan Bowman appointment post heavy backlash

NHL fans have reacted strongly to the Edmonton Oilers hiring Stan Bowman as their new general manager. Bowman replaces Ken Holland, who had been GM since 2019 but did not have his contract renewed after the 2023-24 season.

Fans have voiced their concerns about the move, leading Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson to respond. Jackson said:

“I think fans are entitled to their opinion. They have opinions about firing coaches and making trades. I think the decision to bring Stan in is in the best interest for the organization. Give him a chance. I'm not worried about it.”

Jackson’s comments have not calmed the criticism.

“Not worried but went private. Coward,” one fan responded on X, criticizing Jackson for his reaction to the backlash.

"Tone deaf, AF," another fan said.

"Best interest yet you never consulted the players or owner about hiring him," another fan said.

Here are some more reactions to the Oilers' hiring:

"In watch the presser in its entirety I like how genuine Bowman was in response to the questions and how he wants to continue the work he’s done the last couple years and how he’d react to something serious going forward," a fan elaborated.

"I wish opening night was played in an empty building, but alas principles are in a shorter supply than tickets," a fan said.

"If he wasn’t 'worried' about fan reaction, why did his account go private prior to the official announcement?" one fan questioned.

"Bowman resigned as Chicago's GM in 2021 after an independent investigation found the organization mishandled the allegations made by player Kyle Beach that he was sexually assaulted by video coach Brad Aldridge. Bowman, 51, ran the Blackhawks when they won the Stanley Cup," a fan detailed the controversy.

Stan Bowman's hiring and Oilers CEO's remarks

Stan Bowman, who was previously the Chicago Blackhawks' GM, resigned in October 2021 due to his inadequate response to abuse allegations involving a Blackhawks player in 2010. The NHL reinstated him on July 1, 2023, after acknowledging his efforts to learn from past mistakes.

Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson expressed confidence in Bowman, saying:

“Stan and I share a vision of about how to put together a team on the ice and also try to be an elite organization in the front office, forward thinking and progressive; we spent a lot of time talking about that and I feel very comfortable that our visions are aligned in that regard.”

Sheldon Kennedy, a key advocate for abuse prevention, said:

“It was his acknowledging his wrongdoings, and to me that was huge.”

Kennedy is confident about Bowman’s efforts to address his past errors. It remains to be seen if Oilers fans warm up to Bowman's hiring with time.