Ken Holland is “expected to become the next general manager” of the Kings, according to sources cited by Gary Wyshynski of ESPN.com. An announcement is “expected later this week.” Holland will replace former Kings GM & VP/Hockey Operations Rob Blake, whose contract was not renewed after a fourth straight first-round playoff exit. The news was reported by “The Rod Peterson Show” host Rod Pederson. Holland was the EVP & GM of the Red Wings from 1997-2019, winning four Stanley Cups for the franchise. He was promoted in 2019 to SVP, but left after a month to join the Oilers as GM and President/Hockey Operations. Holland’s five-year contract with the Oilers expired on July 1. Edmonton eventually hired former Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman to replace him. Sources told ESPN that Holland had been “considering a front office role” with the Islanders, either as team president, GM or both (ESPN.com ,5/13).
TEAM ATTRACTION: THE HOCKEY NEWS’ Adam Proteau noted the Kings have young stars, veteran anchors and “up-and-comers.” The Kings also are projected to have about $23.3M in salary cap space this summer. Proteau: “You can see, then, why the Kings’ GM job would be very appealing to Holland and why Holland would be appealing to the Kings. They need someone with the experience and track record of being a winner” (THE HOCKEY NEWS, 5/12).
