Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman released a new 32 Thoughts column overnight and as always, revealed plenty of interesting information. Speaking on the upcoming playoff format, goaltender interference, coaches challenges, and plenty more.
One of the most interesting storylines that Friedman revealed is that former Edmonton Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli is in the running to take over the Nashville Predators. He also revealed that another candidate is current Oilers assistant general manager Bill Scott.
In the column he wrote "Nashville is shrinking its list of GM contenders. I don’t believe any external candidate has interviewed in-person. Not sure of the timeline, but that’s going to change in the near future. In addition to the already reported names, others who have been spoken to include St. Louis Vice-President of Hockey Operations Peter Chiarelli and an intriguing fresh name, Edmonton assistant GM Bill Scott. It’s a wide net and we’re still figuring out who else is involved."
Chiarelli leaving his role
Since the article came out, it has been reported by TSN insider Darren Dreger that Chiarelli is set to leave his current role as vice president of hockey operations with the St. Louis Blues to 'pursue other opportunities'. The Blues will be making changes to their front office this year as current general manager and president of hockey operations Doug Armstrong is expected to hand the reins over to Alex Steen.
Chiarelli leaving now could be for a number of reasons, especially with such a major shakeup and restructuring of the management staff in St. Louis. There are also plenty of teams that could be looking to hire executives this offseason and Chiarelli may just smell the blood in the water.
He has extensive history in the NHL having won a Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011 and could be moving on to take over as a president of hockey operations or in some other capacity.
Bill Scott is also a Nashville GM candidate
As Friedman reported, current Oilers assistant GM Bill Scott is seen as a candidate for the Predators job. He has been with the organization since the 2010-11 season where he served as the general manager of the Oilers American Hockey League affiliate the Oklahoma City Barons.
He stayed in that role as the AHL GM when their affiliate moved to the Bakersfield Condors. He served in that capacity before becoming director of hockey operations and assistant GM of the Oilers.
Scott has extensive history with the Oilers and in the AHL and has been with the organization through rough patches and now some good. He has worked extensively at many levels and worn a variety of hats, making him both a valuable member of the Oilers front office and a solid candidate to take over the job as Predators GM.
It would be a big loss for the Oilers but being able to bring in a fresh perspective could be a good thing. Scott has survived many changes at the helm and should be capable of taking over what looks to be a tough situation as the Predators plan to enter a rebuilding phase.