Reports are abound that Peter Chiarelli is in Edmonton interviewing for an unknown position with the Oilers.
The former General Manager of the Boston Bruins is familiar with Bob Nicholson from their experience with Hockey Canada and the Canadian Olympic team with whom Chiarelli served in an advisory role.
The Oilers upper management was slightly shuffled earlier in the week but the clear distinction was made that Bob Nicholson oversees everything including Hockey Operations. In his press conference he spoke about loyalty and trust as well as making sure the right bricks were in place to assure a strong organizational foundation. What he didn’t mention was who those bricks would be and how that would affect the jobs of Lowe or MacTavish.
In fact, I don’t think Nicholson even mentioned Lowe or MacTavish during the Press Conference. It’s little things like that plus the sighting of Peter Chiarelli in Edmonton that leave so many possibilities open. Nothing at all would surprise me with respect to managerial changes. The Oilers have been suspect for so long that nobody’s position should be safe.
Bob Stauffer on Oilers Now says he thinks MacT will be back next year as the GM of the Oilers. Darren Dreger as suggested its isn’t necessarily a GM position Nicholson will address.
Confirming Peter Chiarelli in Edmonton meeting with Oilers brass. Bob Nicholson reviewing all aspects of Hockey Ops. Not specific to gm job.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 22, 2015There has been a distinct lack of Kevin Lowe being mentioned by the Oilers in a long time. Chiarelli could be a replacement for the former GM turned President of Hockey Ops turned Grand Vice Czar of Hockey (or whatever strange title he assumed last year).
At any rate, Nicholson spoke about changes and it looks a lot like changes are indeed on their way. We wait to see what they are.
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