Former Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman set for a comeback with Edmonton Oilers.
In a surprising turn of events, reports surfaced yesterday confirming that Stan Bowman, the former General Manager of the Chicago Blackhawks, is slated to join the Edmonton Oilers.
This news came just hours after the NHL officially reinstated Bowman, alongside Joel Quenneville and Al MacIsaac, making them eligible to sign with any NHL team post-July 10th.
Following a hiatus exceeding two years, the reinstatement marks the end of their ineligibility, which was imposed due to their handling of a 2010 incident.
The league's statement highlighted that these men were penalized for their inadequate response to allegations of assault involving Blackhawks' player Kyle Beach and the team's video coach.
« For more than the last two and a half years, these individuals have been ineligible to work for any NHL team as a result of their inadequate response upon being informed in 2010 of allegations that Blackhawks' player Kyle Beach had been assaulted by the club's video coach,» the league said. »
The league's announcement further noted that each individual has shown remorse and increased awareness of their responsibilities, especially in leadership roles.
« While it is clear that, at the time, their responses were unacceptable, each of these three individuals ... has acknowledged that and used his time away from the game to engage in activities which not only demonstrate sincere remorse for what happened, but also evidence greater awareness of the responsibilities that all NHL personnel have, particularly personnel who are in positions of leadership.»
As it stands, the Edmonton Oilers are actively seeking a new general manager after the departure of Ken Holland, whose contract concluded this season. Jeff Jackson, CEO and president of hockey operations, conveyed his thoughts on the recent developments.
« I mean, Stan's obviously a long time GM, successful, and the NHL reinstated all three of the guys today,» Jackson said on a video call with reporters. «I'm running a bit on fumes here because of the schedule with the playoffs and then the draft, then free agency, so I haven't given any of it any thought, to be honest.
I've got to sort of decompress for a couple days, and then I've got to move forward with my GM search. To be honest, I can't comment right now. »
While the specific role Bowman will assume remains unclear, his potential appointment has already sparked discussions and will likely be met with scrutiny.
This unfolding story adds another layer to the NHL's complex history with leadership accountability, as the league and its teams continue to navigate the consequences of past actions while planning for the future.
