The case for Mathieu Darche as next Edmonton Oilers GM

Based on CEO Jeff Jackson's comments last week on The Bob McCown Podcast, we should -- at least theoretically -- know who the Edmonton Oilers' next general manager will be, by Friday. Fans and media alike are eagerly awaiting in anticipation, in respect of one of the most prestigious NHL positions in today's game.

In this respect, the list and quality of potential candidates is impressive, including the likes of current Oilers internal staff and assistant general managers Keith Gretzky and Brad Holland. Then there's others, including Mark Hunter, Sean Burke and the controversial Stan Bowman.

However, we'd now like to throw another name into the ring, albeit one who is likely the longest of long shots to fill the role of next general manager in Edmonton. We're talking about Mathieu Darche.

Darche has been the Tampa Bay Lightning's Director of Hockey Operations since May 2019. Of more relevance to this particular article, he also became an assistant general manager in 2022.

Similar to Hunter and Burke, Darche offers the invaluable experience of having played in the NHL for nine seasons, thus he has a natural rapport with, and knows how to handle today's players. He played 250 games in total between 2000-01 and 2011-12, for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks and Lightning, before finishing his career with the Montreal Canadiens.

Highly regarded with the NHL

As per the Lightning's official site, the 47-year-old is afforded loyalty and respect among players, after being heavily involved on the NHLPA negotiating committee during the 2012-13 work-stoppage. Of note, he also served on the negotiating committee of the Professional Hockey Players Association for the AHL's collective bargaining agreement.

Darche has an excellent reputation within NHL circles in general, as someone seemingly destined for greatness. And yet this still hasn't lead to a bigger position thus far, after being knocked back for roles with the likes of the Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins and Vancouver Canucks.

However, because of these rejections, it opens the doors for the Oilers to bring in one of the brightest minds in the game. Although, it should be noted there is the aspect of loyalty to consider.

As per The Athletic's Daniel Nugent-Bowman, Darche is apparently close friends with the Lightning's general manager Julien BriseBois. As such, it will take a lot to persuade him to leave the situation in Tampa Bay, particularly a team which has been to three Stanley Cup Finals and won two during his time in Florida.

Overall though, you have to think Darche still wants to branch out on his own and prove he can be the main man on an NHL team which wins the Stanley Cup. And really, what better situation than to join a team so close to doing this in 2023-24, but still needing that one last push to get over the hump.

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