Columbus connected to candidate for Oilers GM after Holland retires

This season is an extremely pivotal one for the Edmonton Oilers, and it will also be complicated by Ken Holland's expected retirement at the end of this season.

Oilers president Jeff Jackson is already on the hunt for the team's next GM, and the team has been connected to several candidates. Mark Hunter has been one name frequently linked to the Oilers, but now according to Elliotte Friedman, the Columbus Blue Jackets are believed to be making a move for him.


Mark Hunter has been a highly sought after NHL executive who's been content with his position in the London Knights organization recently. Earlier in his career, Mark Hunter and his brother Dale were influential figures in the rebuild that led the Leafs to their current state. Despite not being in the NHL for years, teams across the league are still pining for Hunter for his professionalism and draft pedigree.




Along with Mark Hunter, the Oilers have been reported to be interested in Brad Holland, Keith Gretzky, and Shawn Horcoff as the GM to succeed Ken Holland. Whichever GM they hire, Jeff Jackson may want to play a more significant role for organizational continuity. Obviously, the biggest upcoming contract for Leon Draisaitl which can be negotiated after this season. It will be a franchise-altering contract, and the right GM needs to be in town to guide the team in the right direction.