Oilers: Holland’s 3 Best and Worst Moves as GM
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The Hockey Writers
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Ken Holland's tenure as the general manager of the Edmonton Oilers has been a mix of highs and lows, showcasing both his strategic brilliance and missteps. Holland has been instrumental in shaping a competitive team, focusing on building around superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. His eye for talent has led to the acquisition of players such as Zach Hyman and Cody Ceci, who have significantly bolstered the team's lineup and contributed to their success in recent seasons.
However, not all of Holland's moves have paid off. Decisions such as the contract extension for Mike Smith and the handling of goaltending have raised eyebrows. Critics argue that the lack of a solid long-term solution in net could hinder the Oilers' chances of deep playoff runs. Furthermore, the failure to address defensive weaknesses in previous seasons has been a point of contention among fans and analysts alike.
Despite the challenges, Holland's experience and familiarity with the game shine through in his ability to navigate the complexities of team management. His understanding of player dynamics and market trends has positioned the Oilers favorably in the competitive landscape of the NHL. As the season progresses, the focus will remain on how Holland continues to build around his star players while addressing the pressing needs of his roster.
In conclusion, Ken Holland's mixed bag of moves as the Oilers' general manager reflects the intricate balancing act required in building a successful NHL team. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge, fans remain hopeful that the best is yet to come for Edmonton under Holland's leadership.
However, not all of Holland's moves have paid off. Decisions such as the contract extension for Mike Smith and the handling of goaltending have raised eyebrows. Critics argue that the lack of a solid long-term solution in net could hinder the Oilers' chances of deep playoff runs. Furthermore, the failure to address defensive weaknesses in previous seasons has been a point of contention among fans and analysts alike.
Despite the challenges, Holland's experience and familiarity with the game shine through in his ability to navigate the complexities of team management. His understanding of player dynamics and market trends has positioned the Oilers favorably in the competitive landscape of the NHL. As the season progresses, the focus will remain on how Holland continues to build around his star players while addressing the pressing needs of his roster.
In conclusion, Ken Holland's mixed bag of moves as the Oilers' general manager reflects the intricate balancing act required in building a successful NHL team. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge, fans remain hopeful that the best is yet to come for Edmonton under Holland's leadership.