Ken Holland and Kyle Dubas: A study in contrasts

The two GMs had very different experiences on the first day of free agency, and they're running teams that look as though they're going in opposite directions

Ken Holland did a tidy bit of work for the Edmonton Oilers on Day 1 of free agency.

Not that he likely cares what other people think, but the consensus around the hockey world was that Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland had a very, very good day on Day 1 of free agency. Recent seasons have not been kind to him in terms of his status as a hockey executive. When asked whether, at the age of 66, he feels as though he might have his fastball back, he replied: “Well, it’s not as fast as it once was. So I’m nibbling more around the edges. As you get older you’ve got to work the curveball in.”

Not that he likely cares what other people think, but the consensus around the hockey world was that Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas had an absolutely terrible day on Day 1 of free agency. Dubas is 30 years younger than Holland and beat him to getting an job running an NHL team’s hockey department by nine years. Dubas been swinging for the fences the past couple of years now, but has nothing but groundouts to show for all his at-bats.