McDavid reacts to the hiring of Ken Holland as Oilers GM

In case you missed it, the Edmonton Oilers officially named Ken Holland as the team’s next general manager and president of hockey operations..

After nearly a week of speculation and reports that Holland had agreed to take the position, the Oilers finally made it official today. Holland, of course, leaves the Red Wings after an incredible 22 years as the team’s GM.

Holland reportedly agreed to a five year, $25 million contract with the Oilers.

Now, while no one is questioning Holland’s accomplishments (10 division championships, five conference championships, four President’s Trophies and three Stanley Cups), there’s some concern in Edmonton that Holland’s hiring is just another “Old Boys Club” move from Oilers brass. After all, Holland and the man who hired him, Oilers CEO Bob Nicholson, are close friends from their years of working together for Hockey Canada. While Holland may not be a former Oiler or be related to anyone in the Old Boys Club, there’s still a degree of proximity from him to Nicholson that makes some Oilers fans feel uneasy.

In any case, the Oilers are Holland’s team now. So, what does his captain think?

Again, no one is debating Holland’s acumen. But is he the right man to help turn this team around?

According to Bruce McCurdy of the Edmonton Journal, Holland will be tasked with relieving some of the salary cap pressure that the team is under, while also helping balance out the team’s top heavy roster. So, what does that mean exactly? It likely means that anyone not named McDavid or Draisaitl is on the table in trade talks. Giddy up, Oilers fans. Change is (HOPEFULLY) coming to Oil Country.