Oilers front office changes: Parkatti, Larsson promoted

The Edmonton Oilers made a number of changes to their front office Thursday, headlined by Michael Parkatti and Kalle Larsson getting promotions.

Parkatti, who joined the Oilers in 2023 as a senior director of data and analytics, now takes on the role of vice-president of analytics and technology. To support him in his new role, the club has hired Hassaan Inayatali, who previously worked with the Chicago Blackhawks as a data scientist, as a senior data scientist, Jordan Vani as a hockey data engineer, and CJ Gilroy as a full-stack developer.

Larsson was one of three promoted to the title of assistant general manager, with his role overseeing player development and innovation. Having joined the team in 2024, he’ll continue to oversee staff members responsible for individual prospect development plans while monitoring current Oilers players to create similar plans. Working under him will be Andreas Karlsson as the team’s director of player development, working on the creation of said plans.

Kirt Hill, who has been with the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings as their president of hockey operations and general manager since 2018, was named assistant general manager of player procurement, including pro and amateur scouting, and undrafted free agents.

Toby Salmelainen was named assistant general manager of European operations, a newly formed group. Salmelainen, who spent the last two seasons with the team as a development coach, will be responsible for amateur and pro scouting, free agent recruiting, and player procurement in Europe.

The organization also announced long time staff member Justin Mahe has been named director of hockey operations and player experience, managing hockey operations budgeting, immigration, and regulation compliance.

“He will also take the lead position in assisting new players in all areas of relocation to Edmonton and Bakersfield, delivering concierge-level support for free agent signings as well as dedicated settlement support for international players and their families,” the team said.

The organization also announced changes to the Oil Kings front office, hiring Michael Chan as president and alternate governor and Jamie Jackson as the director of scouting for the WHL team, the role Chan previously held.