The Edmonton Oilers may have felt the need to fire head coach Kris Knoblauch after losing in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, they are promoting several others in their hockey operations department. On Thursday, the Oilers announced eight promotions. The team is still searching for their next head coach.
Among the most notable promotions is that of Michael Parkatti to the role of Vice President, Analytics and Technology. Parkatti joined the Oilers in September of 2023. He was previously in the role of Senior Director, Data & Analytics. There, he led the operations of the team’s analytics staff. He also provided Edmonton with consultancy services from 2013 to 2015.
Kirt Hill is being promoted to the role of Assistant General Manager and Player Procurement. Hill is very deserving of this promotion. He spent the last eight years as the president of hockey operations and GM of the Western Hockey League’s Edmonton Oil Kings. During his time with the Oil Kings, they won the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL champions in 2022. With the Oilers, he will lead professional and amateur scouting.
Oilers Promotions in Hockey Operations
The remaining six promotions are as follows:
Kalle Larsson: Assistant GM, Player Development and Innovation.
Toby Salmelainen: Assistant GM, European Operations.
Justin Mahe: Director, Hockey Operations and Player Experience.
Andreas Karlsson: Director, Player Development.
Michael Chan: President, GM and WHL Alternate Governor, Edmonton Oil Kings.
Jamie Jackson: Director, Scouting, Edmonton Oil Kings.
In a statement released by the Oilers, GM Stan Bowman spoke about these recent promotions within their hockey operations department.
“We are pleased to be announcing these important promotions and updates today,” he said. “These talented individuals represent our continued efforts over the past number of months to improve our scouting, player development, hockey analytics, and player services departments.”
Hopefully, all of these promotions will help the Oilers get things back on track. The team cannot afford to falter again with only two more years left with Connor McDavid under contract.
