May 15, 2023 by Eric Friesen

Even though it’s been less than 24 hours since the Edmonton Oilers were eliminated from the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, there’s already speculation that front office changes could be coming.

Per Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, Steve Staios could possibly replace Ken Holland as the Oilers’ General Manager in the next days or weeks. Staios was hired by the Oilers as a special advisor to the club’s hockey operations staff with a focus on player development on October 6.

“I think change is on the horizon in Edmonton,” Seravalli said on The DFO Rundown on Monday. “When you consider what is looming out there in other searches, I expect the Oilers to be very proactive and protective of Steve Staios. He is someone they value, and they have a thin staff as it is. The Oilers see Staios as their next general manager, and how quickly that happens will depend on a few things.

“If Michael Andlauer is the successful bidder to purchase the Ottawa Senators, formerly the owner of the Hamilton Bulldogs where he found a lot of success with Staios, there will be a real pull to bring Staios with him as the next GM of the Senators. I think the Oilers want to get out in front of that. I won’t be shocked, I’m not reporting this, just this is what the speculation has been behind the scenes, is that there is a possibility Ken Holland will be promoted to President of Hockey Operations and Steve Staios is promoted to General Manager.”

Prior to joining the Oilers’ hockey operations department, Staios played with the Boston Bruins (1996-1997), Vancouver Canucks (1997-1999), Atlanta Thrashers (1999-2001), Oilers (2001-2004, 2005-2010), Calgary Flames (2010-2011) and the New York Islanders (2011-12), tallying 56 goals, 220 points and 1,322 penalty minutes in 1,001 career NHL games. Staios helped the Oilers reach the 2006 Stanley Cup Final. He was named an alternate captain with the Oilers in 2006-07. Internationally, Staios represented Canada at the 2002, 2003 (gold), 2004 (gold) and 2008 (silver) IIHF World Championships.

In 2012, Staios was hired as Player Development Advisor with the Toronto Maple Leafs. In 2014, Staios also become an Assistant Coach with the Maple Leafs. In 2015, Staios was hired as President and General Manager of the Hamilton Bulldogs in the OHL. Staios managed the Bulldogs for six seasons (2015-2020, 2021-22), posting a 205-156-41 record in 402 games (.561 points percentage). The 49-year-old won two OHL championships in 2018 and 2022 and reached the Memorial Cup final in 2022 as GM of the Bulldogs.

Since returning to the organization where he enjoyed his most successful years as a player this past October, I have believed that Staios would eventually become the club’s next GM. While some fans might question the decision to hire yet another former Oiler as a manager figure, this wouldn’t be a case of nepotism. Staios is going to be a GM in the NHL in the not too distant future, whether it’s in Edmonton, or somewhere else.

When Staios took over as GM of the Bulldogs in 2015, he inherited a team (formerly the Belleville Bulls) that finished in 14th place out of 20 teams in the OHL the previous season. Three years later, the Bulldogs won the J. Ross Robertson Cup under his guidance. Then, four years after their first title, with an entirely new group of players, the Bulldogs won a second championship.

Staios is highly-regarded across hockey circles, and the Oilers wise to add him to their staff this past October. It would make sense that the plan was for Staios to work under Holland for two seasons until his contract expires on June 30, 2024, and then be elevated to the GM chair. However, with other NHL organizations potentially interested in interviewing Staios for their GM position, the Oilers might have to expedite the process.

With Holland at the helm, the Oilers have qualified for the playoffs for four consecutive seasons, including an appearance in the 2022 Western Conference Final. While not all of his moves have worked out well, I think Holland has deserved more credit for than he generally gets credit for. But much like the situation with Head Coach Jay Woodcroft 15 months ago, NHL clubs have to promote quality individuals, or risk losing them.

It’s unclear whether Holland plans to retire, or stay on with the organization as President of Hockey Operations beyond 2024, but now is the time is the time to promote Staios to GM. Staios is ready for this opportunity, and he would be put in a position to succeed by managing a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.