Peter Chiarelli Hired as Oilers GM: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Edmonton Oilers named Peter Chiarelli as the team’s general manager and President of Hockey Operations Friday. 

The team’s official Twitter account shared the news:

The Oilers finished a disappointing 24-44-14 on the season and were eliminated from playoff contention in the loaded Western Conference early in the schedule. Only the Arizona Coyotes had fewer points in the West than Edmonton’s 62. 

It is not surprising then that there were significant changes, and Chris Johnston of Sportsnet noted that the team didn’t wait too long into the offseason to make them:

While the Oilers were one of the league’s worst teams this season, Chiarelli is stepping into an ideal situation given the recent NHL draft lottery results. The Oilers won the first pick for the fourth time in six years, which means an opportunity at Connor McDavid, who is the most highly regarded prospect since Sidney Crosby. 

Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star alluded to the selection when Chiarelli was announced:

McDavid scored 285 points in 166 career games in the Ontario Hockey League and is only 18 years old. With him directing the offense with game-changing vision, speed and goal-scoring ability, the Oilers will ideally contend for playoff spots in the near future.

That’s not a bad way to start a new position for Chiarelli.