Ken Holland is introduced during a pregame ceremony at Scotiabank Arena. Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports

Oilers GM Ken Holland: 'I can't keep this team together'

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 6/8/22

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.

Ken Holland said he told Jay Woodcroft that they will sit down early next week and discuss his future:

"I think he did a fabulous job" https://t.co/j67OYxhUxZ
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) June 8, 2022

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.

Would Ken Holland like pending UFA Evander Kane back? “Yes. He had a big impact on our team.”

Holland knows the cap hit for Kane will be higher on the next deal. Oilers only have so much room. Holland has an exit interview with Kane today. He’ll talk to agent Dan Milstein soon.
— Daniel Nugent-Bowman (@DNBsports) June 8, 2022

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.

Ken Holland on the Oilers: “Do I think we’re a million miles away? I don’t.

“We can play with any team in the Western Conference. But we’re not good enough today to win the Stanley Cup.”
— Daniel Nugent-Bowman (@DNBsports) June 8, 2022

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