Oilers Hire Bowman as General Manager Amid Backlash

The Edmonton Oilers have hired Stan Bowman as their new general manager and executive vice president of hockey operations, making him the first former Chicago Blackhawks executive re-hired by an NHL team since the 2010 sexual assault scandal involving Kyle Beach. Bowman, who led the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cups, resigned in 2021 after an investigation found he mishandled the assault allegations. Despite his reinstatement by the NHL, the hiring has sparked considerable backlash from fans. Oilers CEO Jeff Jackson expressed confidence in Bowman's experience and the work he has done during his time away from the game, aiming for another Stanley Cup title. Bowman replaces Ken Holland, who mutually parted ways with the Oilers after their recent Stanley Cup Final loss.