Los Angeles Kings fans have become very familiar with the Edmonton Oilers over the past three seasons.
Few teams have faced each other more than the Kings and Oilers over the past three years, leading to a heated rivalry that Kings players consider their biggest rivalry games at the moment.
A fourth consecutive playoff matchup with Edmonton is very possible and the Kings will see a lot of Oilers this season.
The Oilers had a strong off-season and solidified themselves as one of the true contenders in the league.
However, they “ended” their off-season moves with the most controversial decision any team has made thus far.
The Oilers announced Wednesday that they were hiring former Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman to be their general manager.
O #Oilers have named Stan Bowman general manager and executive vice president of hockey operations.
– Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 24, 2024
For those who need a reminder, Bowman was reinstated to work with the league just 14 days ago.
He has spent the past two years unable to work in the NHL following an investigation into his involvement in the cover-up of a sexual assault scandal in Chicago.
This decision caused significant resistance from NHL and Oilers fans.
Many consider this a step backwards for the league, allowing Bowman to return to a position of power.
After a summer of positive movement, it is a risky move for Edmonton to make such a controversial signing.
This wiped out much of the momentum they had built over the past six months.
Kings fans will have another reason to root against the Oilers now, not that they needed any more reasons.