The Edmonton Oilers have hired Stan Bowman as their new general manager in a controversial move.
The #Oilers have named Stan Bowman General Manager & Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 24, 2024
The San Jose Sharks division rivals are coming off a Stanley Cup Final appearance and have had an active 2024 offseason. Bowman has been suspended from the NHL due to his actions, or lack thereof, during his time with the Chicago Blackhawks scandal that involved Kyle Beach.
The NHL reinstated Bowman and former NHL head coach Joel Quenneville as of July 10th, which certainly got some reactions from fans online. Both Bowman and Quenneville are winners. Nobody is questioning their hockey minds, but the scandal has dented their legacy.
Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson stated what Bowman could bring to the Oilers organization.
“I believe his vast experience & proven success in this role, together with the important work he has done in his time away from the game, fits our goal of being best in class when it comes to all facets of our organization.” – #Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson on Stan Bowman
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 24, 2024
Some people have defended Bowman, specifically former NHLer Sheldon Kennedy. Kennedy co-founded the Respect Group, which helps workplaces understand different types of harassment.
When news first broke of a sexual assault that occurred ten years earlier within the Chicago Blackhawks organization in October 2021, my phone rang non-stop. Read about my work with Stan Bowman here – Sheldon Kennedy https://t.co/UMyjvC4Mn6
— Respect Group (@RespectGroup) July 18, 2024
Bowman’s past actions are in the past, and the Oilers feel he has done enough work away from the game to allow him back into the NHL.
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