EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Stan Bowman made a commitment upon his return to the NHL.
“These things will never happen on my watch again,” Bowman said Wednesday after being appointed as the new general manager and vice president of hockey operations for the Edmonton Oilers.
Bowman is the first former Chicago Blackhawks executive to be rehired by an NHL team since the 2010 sexual assault scandal involving the Blackhawks. The league reinstated Bowman, along with coach Joel Quenneville and Al MacIsaac, earlier this month.
Bowman resigned as the Blackhawks’ GM in 2021 following an independent investigation that revealed the organization mishandled allegations by player Kyle Beach regarding sexual assault 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.”
At 51, Bowman, who previously led the Blackhawks to Stanley Cup victories in 2010, 2013, and 2015, now takes over an Oilers team that reached the Stanley Cup Final last season but lost to Florida in seven games.
“I believe his extensive experience and proven success in this role, combined with the important work he has done during his time away from the game, aligns with our goal of being best in class in all aspects of our organization,” said Jeff Jackson, CEO of hockey operations. “Through our discussions, we share a common vision of where we are as a team and what is needed to secure another Stanley Cup.”
Jackson, who was hired last year after over a decade as Connor McDavid’s agent, did not renew GM Ken Holland’s contract.
Earlier this month, the league acknowledged that Bowman, Quenneville, and MacIsaac had used their time away from the game to show genuine remorse and increased awareness of their responsibilities as NHL personnel, especially those in leadership roles.
Sheldon Kennedy, a former player who has publicly shared his experience of sexual abuse and co-founded the Respect Group for preventing bullying, harassment, and abuse, wrote a letter endorsing Bowman and highlighting his recent efforts.
“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 and the game safer for everyone,” Kennedy wrote. “Building a strong and healthy culture within an organization and maintaining it will be a top priority for Stan. I also believe he will promote this message throughout the hockey community, which can only be beneficial.”
Bowman mentioned that he started speaking with Beach in the summer of 2023. Initially, after leaving the Blackhawks, he had reached out but received no response. Encouraged by Kennedy, Bowman made another attempt.
“I don’t want to share the details,” Bowman said. “It was a very encouraging conversation.”
Having spent 2.5 years away from the NHL, including working with Kennedy’s group, Bowman feels he has gained new insights and improved ways to perform his job in the future.
Kennedy attended the press conference to support Bowman, noting, “There was some good that came out of a really terrible situation. I hope this builds confidence around issues that carry significant fear. One of the biggest barriers to doing the right thing is not just confidence, but knowledge.”
One of Bowman’s initial tasks will be to secure a long-term contract for Leon Draisaitl, who is nearing unrestricted free agency, while McDavid’s current contract expires on July 1, 2026.
Jackson acknowledged that the hire might face scrutiny from some fans.
“They’re always entitled to their opinions,” he said. “They have opinions about firing coaches and making trades. I believe bringing Stan in is in the best interests of the organization.”
