Ken Holland is a great hire for the Edmonton Oilers. However, Oiler fans are well within their right to think, “Here we go again.”
Going back to 2008, this Oilers team has had Kevin Lowe, Steve Tambellini, Craig MacTavish and Peter Chiarelli hold the GM position, and only one of them could get this team to a playoff spot.
It has to be frustrating for Oilers fans when you consider that in 2010, 2011 and 2012 this team has had the first overall draft pick and playoff spots didn’t follow.
It’s easy to see why fans would wonder why the first overall pick in 2015, Connor McDavid, would even want to stay in Edmonton.
However, if Oilers ownership keeps its word and gives Holland full hockey autonomy, this Edmonton team has a chance to turn it around. Holland’s time in Detroit proves it.
The Oilers and their fans have a mutual relationship. Edmonton won’t be a Cup contender overnight, and won’t win over fans overnight either. This will take time.