Oilers GM Ken Holland: 'I can't keep this team together'
After a team exits the playoffs, regardless of the sport or the league, it isn't uncommon for the general manager to hint at changes coming to the team in the offseason.
Still, it was a bit shocking to hear Edmonton Oilers GM and president of player operations Ken Holland insinuate that the team will get a makeover after being swept out of the Western Conference Final by the Colorado Avalanche.
"I can't keep this team together," Holland said matter-of-a-factly to reporters on Wednesday, via TSN.
That idea of not keeping the current band together apparently includes interim head coach Jay Woodcroft, who took over as bench boss midseason and was a key reason the Oilers turned their season around.
Holland did hint, however, that the organization will have a talk with Woodcroft in the not-too-distant future.
One piece of the puzzle Holland does seem keen on keeping is winger Evander Kane, whom Edmonton acquired following a very messy and dramatic exit from the San Jose Sharks.
Offseason changes happen with all teams, regardless of how good they are or how far they go in the playoffs. Plus, it can be hard for teams to stay unchanged in the salary cap era no matter how much players enjoy a certain franchise. Still, it will likely disappoint Oilers fans if the recent team is changed too much.
Edmonton had a bounce-back campaign after Woodcroft took over, finishing the season second in the Pacific Division behind the Calgary Flames — the team the Oilers defeated four games to one in the Western Conference semifinals.
Even with such an impressive run — not to mention a thrilling Game 4 finish against the Avalanche, even in defeat — Holland knows the team needs to be better and changes have to be made if the Oilers are going to compete for a Stanley Cup.
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