Former Oilers GM Ken Holland linked to L.A. Kings front office opening

The discussion about Holland picked up last week, as Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported that Holland met with Kings president Luc Robitaille on Thursday.

On Monday’s edition of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman explained that Holland’s name has quickly moved up the Kings’ list, though other names have also been considered for the position.

“We’ll see where this week takes us,” Friedman said. “Initially, I think a lot of people were under the impression that Marc Bergevin would slide into that job. Now, it appears much less likely, and we’ll see where this week takes us, but Holland’s candidacy for this job is legitimate.”

Friedman also stated, if Holland were to be brought on board, it would be to help the Kings try to improve, not necessarily tear things down.

“I don’t necessarily think this is going to be a long-term deal. I’ll be curious to see if this closes what the term of the deal is, but the Kings don’t think they’re that far away. … I don’t know if a five or seven-year rebuild makes sense for [Holland]. So, the fact that the Kings want to contend, I think that makes a lot more sense for him.”

The opening in Los Angeles came after the Kings announced the team parted ways with Rob Blake last Monday after eight seasons on the job. The team had lost to the Oilers in the first round for the fourth consecutive season.

Holland has been a “free agent” since parting ways with the Oilers in June, shortly after the team made it all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. Since leaving Edmonton,  the Stanley Cup-winning GM joined the NHL as a Hockey Operations Consultant.

Holland’s name has also been linked to the New York Islanders’ opening at GM, which came after it was announced that Lou Lamoriello wouldn’t be back for the 2025-26 season.