NHL Rumors: Kings target former Red Wings, Oilers GM to replace Rob Blake

The Los Angeles Kings appear to be on the verge of handing the reins of their front office to one of the most respected executives in the modern NHL. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Kings are “closing in” on naming Ken Holland as their next general manager—a move that would mark a major pivot for the franchise following another early playoff exit.

The Kings parted ways with longtime GM Rob Blake after falling short once again in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, this time at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers. Ironically, they now seem ready to turn to the architect behind Edmonton’s current core: the very man who helped construct a team that’s repeatedly halted their postseason ambitions.

Ken Holland, a future Hall of Famer, brings a championship pedigree to Los Angeles. He took over as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings in 1997 and built one of the most consistent dynasties in NHL history. Under his leadership, the Red Wings won three Stanley Cups (1998, 2002, 2008) and made the playoffs for 25 consecutive seasons, with Holland overseeing 18 of those as GM.

After Red Wings handed over the GM duties to Steve Yzerman in 2019, Holland transitioned briefly to a senior vice president role before accepting the general manager job with the Edmonton Oilers later that year.

Ken Holland speaks to the media during Media Day prior to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 07, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

In Edmonton, he worked to maximize the window around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, navigating cap constraints and roster limitations. Under his guidance, the Oilers reached the Western Conference Final in 2022 and came within a game of winning it all in 2024, ultimately falling to the Florida Panthers in a dramatic seven-game Stanley Cup Final.

see also

NHL Rumors: Red Wings could cut ties with two veteran players as GM Steve Yzerman eyes major offseason changes

A new chapter in Hollywood

Following the 2024 Stanley Cup run, Holland stepped away from the NHL front office scene for a year. Now, all signs suggest that his sabbatical is nearing its end, and the 68-year-old executive is ready to tackle a new challenge in Southern California.

The Kings, still seeking to capitalize on a veteran-heavy roster with playoff aspirations, believe Holland’s experience and vision could provide the leadership required to break through in a fiercely competitive Western Conference.

As Friedman noted, “We’ll see where things progress over the next few days,” but it appears Los Angeles is ready to usher in the Ken Holland era—a move that may shape the franchise for years to come.