While opinion of Ken Holland in Edmonton amongst Oilers fans is mixed, his overall reputation around the NHL is a positive one after winning three Stanley Cups as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. His place in NHL history is secure, after being enshrined into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder as part of the 2020 class.
After leaving the Oilers, Holland subsequently joined the NHL’s Hockey Operations Department as a consultant. Now however, speculation has him potentially returning to an NHL team as a general manager.
The New York Islanders PR department released a statement on Tuesday, announcing that Lou Lamoriello's contract as president and general manager would not be renewed. The statement went on to confirm that effective immediately, operating partner John Collins will lead a search to find the next general manager.
Could Ken Holland be the solution in New York?
This has led to TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger wondering if Holland could end up making it onto Collins' list. Dreger took to social media to claim the 69-year-old is eager to work again but that he would never take anyone's job, which now is no longer the scenario in New York with the Islanders:
As the Islanders move on from the massive experience of Lou Lamoriello, it will be interesting to see the list John Collins puts together. Ken Holland is eager to work again, but has made it clear he wouldn’t take someone’s job…there has to be a vacancy. Big opening now.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 22, 2025
As interesting and feasible as it sounds to imagine Holland ending up with the Islanders as their new general manager, Preston Hodgkinson of Daily Hive Sports makes an interesting point. Specifically, would the organization consider the Vernon, British Columbia at his age?
On the one hand the Islanders would potentially be looking for someone young enough, to take over the general manager position for the long-term. At the same time however, Holland is a relative spring chicken at 69 when compared to Lamoriello, who is 82 years of age.
A success with the Oilers no matter the negativity
As we mentioned earlier there are plenty of Oilers fans who do not regard Holland's tenure in Edmonton a resounding success, with him living off the combination of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Regardless, he did lead the team to the playoffs in all five of his seasons in charge, concluding with them coming to within one win/two goals of hockey's ultimate prize last season.
In our humble opinion, the Islanders could do worse than consider Holland for the general manager opening, no matter how much some people in Edmonton might disagree. It's tough enough as it is to find someone with extensive experience, never mind a person who is in the Hockey Hall of Fame and knows what it takes to win the Stanley Cup.
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