Steve Staios could be an option as the Edmonton Oilers’ next GM

On the latest edition of the Daily Faceoff Rundown, Frank Seravalli said the Edmonton Oilers could make a move to hire former defenseman Steve Staios as GM.

Ken Holland currently holds the position, but with the team getting eliminated in the second round against Vegas on Sunday, change might be in the short-term future for the Oilers. Holland has held the post since 2019-20 after helping the Detroit Red Wings to three Stanley Cups.

“I think change is on the horizon in Edmonton,” said Seravalli. “When you consider what is looming out there in other searches, I expect the Oilers to be very proactive and protective of Steve Staios. He is someone they value, and they have a thin staff as it is. The Oilers see Staios as their next general manager, and how quickly that happens will depend on a few things.

“If Micheal Andlauer is the successful bidder to purchase the Ottawa Senators, formerly the owner of the Hamilton Bulldogs where he found a lot of success with Staios, there will be a real pull to bring Staios with him as the next GM of the Senators. I think the Oilers want to get out in front of that.

“I won’t be shocked, I’m not reporting this, just this is what the speculation has been behind the scenes, is that there is a possibility Ken Holland will be promoted to President of Hockey Operations and Steve Staios is promoted to general manager,” said Seravalli.

Staios, 49, currently serves as the in Edmonton. Previously, he was GM of the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs from 2016-17 while also serving as the team’s president since 2015-16. Staios played 1,001 games in the NHL with Boston, Vancouver, Atlanta, Edmonton, Calgary and the New York Islanders. He also won two World Championships with Canada and was the nation’s GM at the 2019 World Junior Championship.