It’s been a rough, rough year for the Edmonton Oilers, who find themselves outside of the playoff picture looking in after a strong 2016-17 campaign. The Oilers are 1-5-1 in their last seven and currently sit fifth last in the league with 39 total points.
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General Manager Peter Chiarelli was brought into the organization in 2015 to help create a winner, but despite a 2016 postseason appearance, many hockey fans would argue he has done the contrary. Since taking the wheel, Chiarelli has traded coveted forwards Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle and in turn received defenceman Adam Larsson and forward Ryan Strome. The former Oilers have proven this season that Edmonton may have lost both trades.
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When a team struggles, a head coach’s job security tends to become the center of focus. But in a conversation with TSN’s Ryan Rishaug, Chiarelli stated that he is “not firing Todd McLellan.” He mentioned that he believes in McLellan’s preparation and foresight, and that the organization wants to do everything they can to allow the people within to succeed.
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As a GM who was previously relieved of his duties with the Boston Bruins, Chiarelli has a clear understanding of the pressure to succeed. The 53-year-old later admitted that he “Feels the heat”, and continued with saying that both the fans and owner Daryl Katz deserve better (6:00).
There’s reason to panic in Edmonton right now, but it’s not too late for the coach and general manager to salvage the season. With 39 games left, there’s plenty of time for the Oilers to turn things around and return to their 2016-17 form. Considering their captain is Connor McDavid, it’s tough to rule out anything at this point.
