Analyst Pitches the Idea of a New GM in Edmonton

This could be an offseason of major changes for the Edmonton Oilers, and it already started with the dismissal of head coach Kris Knoblauch before his new extension had even kicked in.

---

The focus now shifts to finding his replacement and then improving the roster that they’ll be coaching. However, one analyst is wondering whether the Oilers should clean house in the front office before addressing the on-ice product.

During a recent episode of Spittin’ Chiclets, Keith Yandle pitched the idea that Edmonton should hire fellow former players Shane Doan and Ray Whitney to take over as general managers of the Oilers.

Yandle said:

“I know who Edmonton should hire as GM—two GMs—from Halkirk, Alberta, Shane Doan, and from Edmonton, Alberta, Ray Whitney. Bring them in. Ray Whitney was a stick boy for the Edmonton Oilers. Shane Doan grew up a hardcore Edmonton Oilers fan and thought he was gonna get drafted by them, and they didn’t take him. Bring those two guys in and start this thing off fresh. I think there’s a better chance McDavid stays if Shane and Ray Whitney are there than anyone else,”

The 49-year-old Doan served as a special advisor to the general manager in Toronto from 2023 to 2026, while Whitney, 54, has spent time in the NHL’s Department of Player Safety and in a scouting role with the Carolina Hurricanes.

There hasn’t been much talk about current GM Stan Bowman being fired, though things can change rather quickly in today’s NHL, as we saw firsthand with Knoblauch.

Whoever is in charge will be tasked with reshaping this Oilers roster ahead of what will be the most important season of the Connor McDavid era—one that could very well determine where the future of the best player in the world lies.

Next: No Guarantee Oilers Land Bruce Cassidy as Next HC