So remind me, why did Holland and Edmonton part ways after going to the Stanley Cup final?
Taken from an ariticle in the Athletic last year:
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“I just think it’s time to see what the future holds.”
Why was it time?
“You know, I’ve been a manager for a long time, for 27 years,” Holland said. “I know how the business works. I think it was important when my time was up in Detroit, Steve Yzerman came in. Steve asked me to stay. The Illitch family asked me to stay. But when the opportunity came up to go to Edmonton, I thought it was an opportunity of a lifetime.
“I still had the juice to be in the saddle and in the big chair. And I thought it was good for Steve that I was gone and he could do what he wanted to do. And I probably think the same thing here. I think that it’s important for Jeff Jackson to be able to build the franchise, the front office, and do what he wants to do.”
Holland believes it’s best for Jackson, the CEO of Hockey Operations, to be able to properly follow his vision and hire his people.
“Jeff’s been unbelievable to me,” Holland said. “I thought we had great working relationship. I enjoyed the year I had working with him, and I wish Jeff nothing but the best.”
The high road all the way for Holland in his exit, which should surprise no one.
“I’m all good,” Holland said. “I’m in a good spot. I loved my five years here. Now we’ll see.”
Holland’s departure from Edmonton was expected, but it was still major news when made official Wednesday.
He’s about as well-liked a GM among his colleagues as there is in the
NHL.
“Kenny, without question, is one of the most successful and respected general managers ever,”
New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello said. “He is not only an outstanding hockey man but a better person. I cherish his friendship. He deserves any and all accolades.”
Added
St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong:
“I am not sure what the future holds for Ken, but he has been the most successful manager over the last three decades; what is more impressive than the wins is how he has gone about it. Ken is the most respected and well-liked GM among his peers.”
And finally, from the Columbus Blues Jackets’ Don Waddell:
“Kenny is one of the most respected GMs in the NHL. His knowledge and passion is what has made him a winner for decades. As good of a GM as he is, he is even a better person.”
So what now for Holland?
“I don’t really know,” said the four-time Stanley Cup champion. “I’m in a good place personally and professionally. I’ve had some people reach out. We’ll see, I’m not sure.”
For now, he needs to take a bit of time and decompress. The Game 7 loss in the Cup Final is still eating away at him.
But all things being equal, I think we’ll see Holland again working somewhere at some point.
“Do I think I have the energy and the passion and the desire to be a general manager again? Yeah, I do,” Holland said. “I’m 68 years old, but I feel like I’m a young 68. But do I also think maybe it’s someone else’s time and maybe there’s a reduced role for me like senior adviser? Yeah, that could be interesting,
“Or do I think maybe I’m at a time in my life that maybe I call it a career? I’ve got grandkids and kids and maybe do some of the things. That’s also an option.”
So it’s all on the table now. His future path has different options.
“I’m wide open,” Holland said. “I think I could do any of the above.”
What Holland will probably have to figure out this summer is whether to accept a role with another organization, because for sure he will get those offers. Or he could wait it out longer and see if something more interesting comes over the next year.
I think about the way Jim Rutherford stepped away from the
Pittsburgh Penguins and waited patiently for the right opportunity and got it from the
Vancouver Canucks. That could be the script for Holland.
“Right now this is an opportunity for me to take a breather,” Holland said. “I don’t have to be going a million miles an hour this weekend in Vegas. That’s for 32 other people and their staffs at the draft.
“All good with me.”