The rumors of Oilers GM & President of Hockey Operations Ken Holland departing the team “have been greatly exaggerated,” according to Robert Tychkowski of the EDMONTON SUN. There has been speculation that Holland is “considering stepping into an advisory role for the final year of his deal” with the Oilers to “give his successor a head start.” However, Holland “said bluntly that he wants to see this through.” Holland: “I have a year to go and I have unfinished business. I plan to honour my contract.” As for what happens after the fifth and final year of his deal is up, Holland “joked that he doesn’t plan that far ahead any more.” Holland joined the Oilers when the team was "stalled in a malaise, sitting 25th in the league,” and “lifted them to playoff positions four years in a row, including sixth overall this season.” There is talk that former NHLer Steve Staios, who “joined the team recently as a special adviser and had a long and successful management career management with the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs,” is “next in line for Holland’s job as early as next season” (EDMONTON SUN, 5/17).
