Former Oiler Ken Holland named favourite for GM job with eastern team

The Islanders also just won the NHL draft lottery last night, giving them the first overall pick this offseason. With an aging roster lacking high end talent, it's a big piece for their team.

According to reports from Arthur Staple of the Athletic, Holland is currently the top candidate for the Islanders GM job, although things still could change.

Ken Holland mutually parted ways with the Oilers last offseason after his 5 year contract had expired with the team. There was belief the 69 year old could be considering retirement, but he's since made less that he wants to work again.

Taking on the New York Islanders will be a tough assignment, given their makeup of quality veterans - but very limited young players and high end talent.

The first overall pick will help, but if the Islanders want to compete with their current core of Barzal, Horvat, Pulock, and Sorokin - they'll need to vastly improve the team to get back into playoffs and near a Cup Final.

Oilers fans will know Holland well, and may have a mixed judgement on him. Holland made some costly mistakes early on in his tenure with the Oilers, but then added players like Zach Hyman and Mattias Ekholm, who have helped the team take another step.

Holland's a hockey lifer and has had a long career as a GM. For an organization like New York who clearly values veteran leadership, it makes sense Holland a top pick for them.