Stan Bowman returns to NHL as Oilers GM

The Edmonton Oilers named Stan Bowman their general manager and executive vice president of hockey operations on Wednesday, nearly three years after he resigned from the Chicago Blackhawks amid scandal.

Bowman, 51, spent 20 seasons (2000-21) in Chicago -- the final 12 as GM -- and won three Stanley Cup titles (2010, 2013 and 2015).

But Bowman resigned in October 2021 after an investigation into sexual assault allegations made by former player Kyle Beach. Bowman, and other members of the team's administration, were found to have inadequately responded to the allegations.

As a result, Bowman, former Blackhawks executive Al MacIsaac and ex-head coach Joel Quenneville were suspended by the NHL. They were reinstated July 1, with the league stating that they used their "time away from the game to engage in activities which, not only demonstrate sincere remorse for what happened, but also evidence greater awareness of the responsibilities that all NHL personnel have, particularly personnel who are in positions of leadership."

Bowman is getting his second chance with the Oilers, who fell one game short of winning the Stanley Cup last season, losing to the Florida Panthers in seven games.

He replaces Ken Holland, whose five-year contract expired and was not renewed.

"I am excited and pleased to be welcoming Stan to the Edmonton Oilers," said Jeff Jackson, Edmonton's CEO of hockey operations. "I believe his vast experience and proven success in this role, together with the important work he has done in his time away from the game, fits our goal of being best in class when it comes to all facets of our organization. Through our many conversations, we share a common vision of where we are as a team and what is required to achieve another Stanley Cup title."

With Bowman as general manager, the Blackhawks were 493-310-109 and won three Western Conference titles and the Presidents' Trophy in 2013.

--Field Level Media