NHL Rumors: Former Oilers' GM Could Be Joining Utah HC

Hall of Fame general manager Ken Holland is rumored to be joining the Utah Hockey Club in a front office role.

According to former player Jordan Schmaltz, Holland is expected to join the organization "in some fashion," though no formal role has been announced yet. 

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman confirmed that Holland was invited to Utah’s training camp as a guest, but emphasized that nothing official has been finalized. 

Despite this, Holland’s appearance at camp—where he was seen wearing a Utah HC jacket—has intensified rumors about a potential new chapter for the veteran executive.

At camp this week, invited as a guest since he knows people in the organization. Nothing formal in terms of a position.

Holland will have options, so we will things how things unfold for him. https://t.co/qKe5j6vV9T

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 19, 2024

Holland, 68, boasts a decorated NHL career, having spent over two decades with the Detroit Red Wings, where he led the team to four Stanley Cup championships. 

Most recently, he served as general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, taking them to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, where they narrowly lost in Game 7 to the Florida Panthers. 

After mutually parting ways with the Oilers following that season, Holland has not officially retired. His presence in Salt Lake City, alongside Utah HC president Chris Armstrong, suggests that he may be exploring opportunities to continue his career.

Update:

He is here. He told me he’s been to NHL training camps every year since 1976 and he wanted to be involved in one this year too.

Didn’t sound like he’s decided to join the team or anything, but he is wearing an Utah Hockey Club jacket. https://t.co/jcsMRiX0BR

— Brogan Houston (@houston_brogan) September 20, 2024