NHL Rumors: Oilers GM Ken Holland one of two suitors to replace Jarmo Kekalainen at Columbus Blue Jackets

Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland will be out of contract by the end of this season. Reports suggest that the Columbus Blue Jackets are showing interest in signing him to fill their vacant position after the firing of Jarmo Kekalainen.

NHL analyst Eliotte Friedman recently discussed the vacant GM role in Columbus, hinting that Holland could be of interest to the Blue Jackets. While there are rumors about Marc Bergevin also being a contender for the position, Friedman mentioned that there isn’t anything solid between the parties yet.

“I’m under the impression they are still waiting to talk to people. What’s going to happen in Edmonton after the season? That is, I think, one of the situations that could have an effect on Columbus,” Friedman said on 32 Thoughts Podcast.

He acknowledged that there is considerable speculation about Marc Bergevin being a strong candidate and that the Blue Jackets have likely had discussions with him.

“I know there’s a lot of smoke around Bergevin right now, and I do think he’s someone they’ve talked to, but I can always be wrong. My impression on Tuesday is they’re not there yet and they’re still waiting to talk to people," Friedman added.

Friedman believes the Blue Jackets are still in the process of evaluating candidates and have not yet made a commitment to anyone. From what it looks like, they are keeping their options open and may still talk to other potential candidates, including Ken Holland.

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Oilers' possible deep-playoff run could impact Ken Holland’s situation: Report

St. Louis Blues reporter Andy Strickland has also addressed the rumors about Ken Holland potentially joining the Columbus Blue Jackets as their new GM. He noted that these rumors are unlikely to fade soon.

“Ken Holland to #CBJ rumors don’t seem to quiet down anytime soon. Maybe a long run to the Final would change things but there are many who feel he could be headed to Columbus to fill their GM vacancy. Mentor Rick Nash to eventually take over?” Strickland wrote on X.

Strickland suggested that if the Edmonton Oilers, under Holland's management, were to make a deep playoff run, it might influence the situation. However, many believe Holland is likely headed to Columbus to fill their GM vacancy.

He also mentioned that there is speculation about Holland mentoring Rick Nash in Columbus, possibly preparing Nash to eventually take over the GM role.

The Edmonton Oilers are currently playing their second round of the Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Vancouver Canucks. With the series currently tied at 2-2, a victory can help them gain a lead as they play the Canucks at Rogers Arena tonight.