Rumor: Two former NHL GMs linked to open Oilers position

In case you somehow, someway missed it, the Edmonton Oilers officially relieved general manager Peter Chiarelli of his duties last night, just hours after the team lost an embarrassing home decision against the league worst Detroit Red Wings.

The team made the news official earlier today but did not name an immediate replacement for the position.

Peter Chiarelli has been relieved of his duties as #Oilers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager. The process has begun to hire a new General Manager & Bob Nicholson will oversee Hockey Operations in the interim.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 23, 2019

Oilers CEO Bob Nicholson spoke to the media earlier today and outlined his plan for moving forward. Nicholson’s focus is on hiring the team’s next general manager while assistant general manager Keith Gretzky assumes Chiarelli’s responsibilities in the interim.

Keith Gretzky will assume many of Chiarelli’s duties in the next few weeks, with Vice Chairman Bob Nicholson being more involved until they find a new GM.
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) January 23, 2019

According to a report from NHL insider John Shannon of Sportsnet though, there could already be a few frontrunners for Chiarelli’s former position. Most intriguingly, former Philadelphia Flyers GM Ron Hextall and former Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis… check it out:

Shannon on the Oilers : They don't have anyone in line for the GM job currently but will start searching. Keith Gretzky and Bob Nicholson will be a duo until they find someone. Mike Futa and Ron Hextall could be considerations and I have also heard Mike Gillis is looking for work
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) January 23, 2019

Mike Futa, for those unaware, is the assistant GM with the Los Angeles Kings and a big part of the group who constructed the team’s 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup championships.

Interesting choices… certainly better than MacT and Scott Howson, right?