Oilers hire Bowman as GM less than 3 years since he resigned after Blackhawks sexual assault scandal

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Stan Bowman made a promise upon his NHL return.

“These things will never happen on my watch again,” Bowman said Wednesday after the Edmonton Oilers hired him as their new general manager and vice president of hockey operations.

Bowman is the first former Chicago Blackhawks executive re-hired by an NHL team since the team’s 2010 sexual assault scandal came to light. The league reinstated Bowman, coach Joel Quenneville and Al MacIsaac, who also worked in Chicago’s front office, earlier this month.

Bowman resigned as Chicago’s GM in 2021 after an independent investigation found the organization mishandled allegations made by player Kyle Beach that he was sexually assaulted by video coach Brad Aldridge.

“I didn’t handle things properly, I should have done more,” Bowman said. “That’s something I regret. It’s something I’ve had the chance to reflect on and I’ve tried to learn from.”

Bowman, 51, ran the Blackhawks when they won the Stanley Cup in ’10, ‘13 and ’15. He takes over an Oilers team that reached the Stanley Cup Final last season and lost to Florida in seven games.

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“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,” CEO of hockey operations Jeff Jackson said. “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.”

Jackson was hired last year after spending more than a decade as Connor McDavid’s agent. The Oilers did not renew GM Ken Holland’s contract.

Earlier this month, the league said Bowman, Quenneville and MacIsaac each “used his 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.”

Former player Sheldon Kennedy, who went public about being sexually abused as a coach and has since co-founded the Respect Group to train people to help prevent bullying, harassment and abuse, wrote a lengthy letter endorsing Bowman and explaining the work he has done in recent years.

“I believe Stan would be a valuable asset to an organization due to his acknowledgment of past mistakes and his relentless efforts to make the locker room/game safer for everyone,” Kennedy wrote. “I feel building a strong and healthy culture within an organization and practicing it on an ongoing basis will be a top priority for Stan. I also believe Stan will carry this message within the hockey ecosystem, which can only help.”

Bowman said he began speaking to Beach in the summer of 2023. He had initially reached out soon after he left the Blackhawks and didn’t get a response. Encouraged by Kennedy, Bowman tried again.

Bowman said he’s worked with the hockey teams at Trinity Western University, where the former player is an assistant coach. They chatted Tuesday night ahead of the Oilers’ announcement.

“I don’t want to share the details,” Bowman said. “It was a very encouraging conversation.”

Bowman has spent 2 1/2 years away from the NHL, including time working with Kennedy’s group.

“I’ve learned some things that I didn’t know,” Bowman said. “I feel I’ve learned some ways that I could do a better job in the future.”

Kennedy was in attendance at the news conference to support Bowman.

“There was some good that came out of a really terrible situation,” Kennedy said. “I hope this builds confidence around issues that I think carry a significant amount of fear. One of the biggest barriers we have in doing the right thing in this space is not just confidence, but knowledge.”

One of Bowman’s first orders of business will be to get Leon Draisaitl, who is now less than a year out from unrestricted free agency, signed long-term with Edmonton. McDavid’s current deal expires July 1, 2026.

Jackson said he is aware there will be scrutiny from some fans regarding the hire.

“Always entitled to their opinions,” he said. “They have opinions about firing coaches and making trades. I think the decision to bring Stan in is in the best interests of the organization.”

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