Peter Chiarelli named Oilers president and general manager
The dominoes in the restructuring of the Edmonton Oilers' front office have fallen.
Peter Chiarelli has been named the team's president of hockey operations and general manager effective immediately, the club announced Friday.
"We are delighted to bring a person of Peter's considerable hockey knowledge and experience to the Oilers," CEO Bob Nicholson said.
Chiarelli served as the GM for the Boston Bruins from 2006 until April 15 of this year. Through to the end of 2014-15, the Bruins posted a regular-season record of 386-233-85 under his watch, topping 100 points four times and advancing to the playoffs in seven straight seasons (2008-15).
"I don't have to talk about what (Chiarelli) has done in the National Hockey League. His record speaks for itself," Nicholson added.
The Bruins won a Stanley Cup in 2011, returned to the finals in 2013 and won the Presidents' Trophy in 2014. Boston missed the playoffs this season by two points after posting a 41-27-14 record.
"It's been a real whirlwind," Chiarelli said. "A week and a half ago I got bad news, and today I got terrific news."
He also appears to be quite excited about helping the perpetually struggling Oilers become a competitive club.
"I am honoured to join such a great organization with a long history of success. I hope to bring it to the next level." – Peter Chiarelli
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 24, 2015
Chiarelli was asked if he would replicate notable feats in Boston such as trading the likes of Phil Kessel and Tyler Seguin, saying he remains ready and willing if the timing is right.
"I've actually made a few trades of good, young forwards, so not something I'll shy away from," he said. "You can't be afraid to make trades."
And with that, Edmonton's young core is officially on watch.
Meanwhile, Kevin Lowe will be moving from hockey operations - a post he'd held since the 2008-09 season - to the business side of Oilers Entertainment Group. At the same time, Patrick LaForge has stepped down as president and CEO of the Group, while former GM Craig MacTavish's new role within the organization is yet to be determined.
But the day belonged to Chiarelli, who admitted he has quite the to-do list to tackle, namely seeking help in net and on the blue line, but beginning with speaking to interim head coach Todd Nelson and determining who will be behind the bench next season.
One big item has already been taken care of, as Chiarelli can circle June 26 on the calendar as the day he can call Connor McDavid's name from the draft podium.