The Daily: Oilers Hire Stan Bowman; Detroit Prospects at Summer Showcase

Stan Bowman apologized for his lack of response to the sexual abuse allegations against Chicago Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich when Bowman was the team’s general manager 14 years ago.

Bowman was fired for his inaction and his role in covering up what occurred. The NHL suspended Bowman for more than two years due to the Chicago Blackhawks’ mishandling of the Kyle Beach case. The NHL fined Chicago $2 million, saying the league found “inadequate internal procedures and insufficient and untimely response in the handling of matters related to former video coach Brad Aldrich’s employment with the Club and ultimate departure in 2010.”

Bowman said he has apologized personally to the alleged victim. But his remorse and the NHL’s decision to lift his suspension does not make the Edmonton Oilers’ hiring of Bowman as GM any less controversial.

“The decision to bring Stan in is one that is the best interests of the organization for a number of reasons…,” Oilers CEO of Hockey Operation Stan Jackson said. “I have to respect the fans’ opinions. Stan’s work over the next few years here will dictate how they respond. I think they will give him a chance.”

SACE statement on the Edmonton Oilers hiring Stan Bowman. #Edmonton #Oilers pic.twitter.com/nJMScz0bac

— SACE (@sacetalks) July 24, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Four Red Wings prospects will be playing at the World Juniors Summer Showcase next week. The list includes Michigan state goalie Trey Augustine.

Detroit first-round pick Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has been invited to Detroit’s training camp. He says that the Red Wings have talked to him about the possibility of playing some games in Grand Rapids. The Norwegian’s original plan was to play for Skelleftea in the Swedish Hockey League.

Defenseman Radim Simek, who came to Detroit in the Klim Kostin trade, had a chance to stay in the Detroit organization. But he turned down the Red Wings’ offer.

Red Wings Offseason

Red Line Report, an independent scouting newsletter that has been around for many years, ranked Red Wings third-round pick Ondrej Becher (80th overall) third on its list of overvalued 2024 draft picks. RLR wrote: “He’s a 3rd year draft eligible who looked much better than he actually is due to his great linemates. Waayyy over-drafted

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Should the Bruins pursue a trade for former Boston College player Oliver Wahlstrom? Andrew Fantuccio explores the possibility. Boston Bruins.

Colorado: An Evan Rawal story points out that the Avalanche attempted to bring back Nikita Zadorov through free agency. He eventually decided to sign with Boston. Colorado Avalanche.

Nashville: An arbitrator awarded defenseman Spencer Stastney a two-year deal that will pay him an NHL salary of $825,000 and a salary of $400,000 if he plays in the AHL. The second becomes a one-way deal with Stastney earning $850,000 whether he is in the NHL or AHL. The Predators had asked for both years of the deal to be a two-way with an AHL salary of $125,000 the first year and $175,000. Under the Nashville plan, both years of the deal would have included a $775,000 NHL salary. Nashville Predators.

Philadelphia: Sam Carchidi writes that Matvei Michkov shouldn’t be viewed as a savior, but he can be a big part of the franchise’s retooling. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: The Penguins director of amateur scouting Nick Prior is heading to the Colorado Avalanche. Pittsburgh Penguins.