WATCH ABOVE: The full news conference announcing former Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has been appointed GM for the Oilers.
EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers are making several front-office changes after another disappointing NHL season.
Peter Chiarelli has been appointed President of Hockey Operations and General Manager for the Edmonton Oilers effective immediately.
During a news conference Friday, the Oilers Entertainment Group said Chiarelli will report to CEO Bob Nicholson, and be responsible for all aspects of hockey operations.
Reports have been swirling the organization was hiring Chiarelli, who was fired last week as general manager of the Boston Bruins after the team missed the playoffs for the first time in eight years.
“A week-and-a-half ago I got bad news. Today I got terrific news,” said Chiarelli.
“I am honoured to join such a great organization with a long history of success. There is a strong, young core here with good complementary players,” said Chiarelli.
“We are delighted to bring a person of Peter’s considerable hockey knowledge and experience to the Edmonton Oilers. Peter has had success at all levels of the game and we look forward to his leadership,” said Nicholson.
Chiarelli spent nine years as the Bruins G.M. His tenure included a Stanley Cup win for Boston in 2011.
READ MORE: Edmonton Oilers G.M. discusses another disappointing season
The organization also said Kevin Lowe’s responsibilities will transition out of hockey operations. But, it said he’ll remain Vice Chair of Oilers Entertainment Group.
“I support Bob in the changes he has implemented and I am very excited about the bright future for the Edmonton Oilers, the City of Edmonton and Oilers fans everywhere,” said Kevin Lowe. “It has been an honour to represent the Oilers both on and off the ice, and I look forward to my new role in the organization.”
It was also announced that Patrick LaForge had stepped down as President and Chief Operating Officer.
“We thank Patrick for his dedication to the Oilers and Oil Country over the last 15 years,” said Nicholson.
“He made a significant mark on the organization and was the driving force behind many successful initiatives. Working closely with Nicholson to continue to grow OEG business will be a trio of senior executives.”
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OEG Chairman Daryl Katz released a statement thanking the three for their contributions.
“I want to thank Kevin, Patrick and Craig for their commitment and contributions to the Oilers over the past many years,” said Katz. “No one should question the heart, integrity, dedication or capability of any of these individuals.
“Each has done great things for the team and our city, but it was simply time for a change.
“We will honour their contributions and treasure their continued friendship,” added Katz. “Once an Oilers, always an Oiler. I also want to commend Bob Nicholson on his leadership and welcome Peter Chiarelli aboard. Together, we are committed to making the Oilers a Stanley Cup contender.”
The Oilers finished 28th in the 30-team league this season.
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It’s been a busy week for the Oilers. The organization won the NHL Draft Lottery Saturday, giving it free reign to select Connor McDavid, a player who is regarded as the best prospect since Sidney Crosby.
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The Oilers appointed Nicholson as CEO of Oilers Entertainment earlier this week. The new role has given Nicholson control over all aspects of business and hockey operations with the Oilers. He is also continuing to serve as an alternate governor for the franchise on the NHL Board of Governors.
Nicholson joined the Oilers as vice-chair in June 2014.
Nicholson and Chiarelli have worked together with Hockey Canada. Chiarelli was part of a group that helped assemble Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
With files from The Canadian Press
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