Edmonton Oilers chairman Bob Nicholson said players could soon start training in small groups as the NHL moves towards a return.

This summer's Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton is also in question.

The Edmonton Oilers announced the new fund to focus on mental health, getting underprivileged kids into sports in memory of the late forward.

Bob Nicholson will become chairman and former Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs executive Tom Anselmi will be president, business operations and chief operating officer.

"I got a lot more leeway on who I can interview than I thought I would."

"I feel like it's disappointing and I'm offended by it," Edmonton Oilers forward Tobi Rieder said.

Bob Nicholson told reporters after Tuesday's session at the NHL's GM meetings at the Boca Beach Club that he expects to begin interviews to fill the Edmonton Oilers' GM vacancy within the next two weeks.

"I didn't think I was going to be suspended at all going into the hearing."

Twitter was quick to react to OEG CEO and vice-chair Bob Nicholson's comment that "there's something in the water" in Edmonton.

Bob Nicholson hopes a rare best-on-best men's tournament, and Gretzky brand, will pull people into Edmonton's Rogers Place to watch hockey in the middle of summer.