Oilers hire reinstated Bowman as GM

*Photo from ESPN*

   The Edmonton Oilers have hired Stan Bowman as the franchise's next GM, according to an announcement by the Oilers.

   Bowman resigned as president and GM of the Chicago Blackhawks in October 21 following the results of an investigation into sexual assault by a Blackhawks staff member on a player during the team's playoff run in 2010 that ended with them winning a Stanley Cup. He was suspended indefinitely by the NHL before being reinstated July 1.

   The investigation revealed that Bowman and other members of the Blackhawks front office were informed that then video coach Brad Aldrich had sexually assaulted a player on the team, but the organization did nothing about it for over a month, with no action taken until after they won the Stanley Cup.

   The player was revealed to be Kyle Beach, a former prospect of the team who never ended up playing a game in the NHL. Bowman said he informed Beach the Oilers were hiring him over the phone prior to the announcement and called the conversation they had encouraging.

   Bowman said in his press conference "I do think it's important to start off by touching on my departure from the Blackhawks a couple seasons ago. I can tell you in this room, and everyone watching, as well as something I've said directly to Kyle Beach, my response was inadequate back in 2010. I didn't handle things properly. I should've done more. That's something I regret, and that's something I've had a chance to reflect on and try to learn from."

   Oilers CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson, who had been serving as interim GM, said he also spoke to Beach before hiring Bowman and said Beach told him he supported the decision to reinstate Bowman.

   Bowman replaces Ken Holland as GM, who decided to step away from the role when his contract expired July 1. Holland, who took over as GM and president of hockey operations after the 2018-2019 season, helped the Oilers qualify for the playoffs every season he was in charge of hockey operations.

   In addition to Bowman, Blackhawks assistant GM Al MacIsaac and head coach Joel Quenneville were also indefinitely suspended by the NHL at the time and all 3 were reinstated. Quenneville was the head coach of the Florida Panthers when the news came out and he resigned shortly after.

   The NHL said in a statement when the 3 were reinstated "While it is clear that, at the time, their responses were unacceptable, each of these three individuals has acknowledged that and used his time away from the game to engage in activities which, not only demonstrate sincere remorse for what happened, but also evidence greater awareness of the responsibilities that all NHL personnel have, particularly personnel who are in positions of leadership. Moreover, each has made significant strides in personal improvement by participating in myriad programs, many of which focused on the imperative of responding in effective and meaningful ways to address alleged acts of abuse. The League expects that they will continue this commitment in any future capacity with the NHL and/or one of our Clubs."

   Bowman was a key figure in the Blackhawks dynasty in the early 2010s, helping lead the team to Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015 as the team went 493-310-109 in Bowman's tenure as GM.