4 takeaways from Holland's introduction as Oilers GM
Here are four takeaways from Ken Holland's introductory press conference as general manager and president of hockey operations with the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday.
Full autonomy
As reported in the days leading up to the announcement, Holland will have full autonomy over the entire hockey operations department. He said he wouldn't have come to Edmonton if this wasn't the case.
How quickly will Holland use this power within the organization? Who, if anyone, from the "Old Boys Club" is safe? Given his scouting background, will he overhaul this department? How many executives from the Detroit Red Wings' front office will he bring over?
Time will tell how long it takes for Holland to start leaving his fingerprints on the organization, but priority No. 1 will be finding a new head coach to replace Ken Hitchcock.
'Sacrifice'
Holland used the word "sacrifice" more than a handful of times during his press conference, but one particular statement stuck out.
"One of the things I've asked my players through the years is to sacrifice," he said. "Go to the minors, spend extra time in the minors, take a little bit less money. It's about sacrifice. If you're going to win everyone has to sacrifice a little bit."
Holland also preached that he wants players to be "overripe" when they come to the NHL. This indicates that youngsters such as Evan Bouchard, Kailer Yamamoto, and others may be asked to spend a full season in the AHL.
Contractually, most of Edmonton's core is locked up, with one exception: Darnell Nurse is set to become a restricted free agent after next season. When his time comes for an extension, will he be asked to take a pay cut to help fit all the pieces of the puzzle together? If so, will he oblige?
Eyeing playoffs right away
Holland said he wants sustained success, but he also made it clear that the goal is to be a playoff team next season.
Making the postseason in 2019-20 is a daunting task, to say the least. Not only has Edmonton not made the playoffs in the last two seasons, but the team hasn't even been within striking distance, missing out by more than 10 points each time.
Holland will have roughly $12 million in cap space to work with. That may seem like a lot, but the Oilers have many holes to fill to become a playoff team, and $12 million might not cut it.
A genuine enthusiasm
Holland is reportedly getting $25 million over five years, and while that was certainly a significant factor in taking the job, it doesn't appear - at least on the surface - to be his main source of motivation.
The 63-year-old had a boyish enthusiasm as he addressed media members at Rogers Place. His demeanor suggested a first-time GM, not somebody who's held that position for the last 22 years.
Even after Yzerman replaced him in Detroit less than a month ago, Holland said he envisioned being a "Red Wing for life." He mentioned to Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch that he might get "restless" to become a GM again one day. Apparently, he got restless much sooner than he thought.
It's clear Holland loves being a GM and is genuinely excited for his new challenge.