Former NHL player and current analyst, Nick Kypreos, recently revealed that former Edmonton Oilers’ general manager, Ken Holland, sought advice from legendary hockey executive, Brian Burke, before making the decision to take on the role with the Oilers. Burke reportedly advised Holland to seek guidance from another hockey legend, Bob Nicholson, who in turn recommended reaching out to former Toronto Maple Leafs’ GM, Dave Nonis. Nonis then suggested that Holland speak with current Montreal Canadiens’ GM, Marc Bergevin. This chain of advice eventually led Holland to speak with former Washington Capitals’ GM, George McPhee, who ultimately recommended that Holland consult with former Boston Bruins’ GM, Peter Chiarelli.

Chiarelli, who was fired by the Oilers in January 2019 after a disappointing tenure with the team, reportedly had a candid conversation with Holland about the challenges and responsibilities of being the GM of a high-profile franchise like the Oilers. One of the key pieces of advice that Chiarelli gave to Holland was the importance of “walking the walk” as a GM.

What does it mean to “walk the walk” as a GM? Essentially, it means leading by example and demonstrating the values and principles that you want your team to embody. This includes being accountable for your decisions, communicating effectively with players and staff, and fostering a culture of respect and professionalism within the organization.

Chiarelli emphasized to Holland that being a successful GM is not just about making smart trades and signing lucrative contracts, but also about being a role model for the players and staff. He stressed the importance of integrity, honesty, and humility in all aspects of the job, from dealing with media scrutiny to managing player contracts and negotiations.

In the high-pressure world of professional sports, it can be easy for GMs to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of the job and lose sight of their core values. However, Chiarelli’s advice to Holland serves as a reminder that success as a GM is not just about wins and losses on the ice, but also about building a strong foundation of trust and respect within the organization.

As Holland prepares to take on the challenge of leading the Oilers back to playoff contention, he would do well to heed Chiarelli’s advice and remember the importance of “walking the walk” as a GM. By staying true to his values and leading by example, he can set the tone for a successful tenure with the team and earn the respect of players, staff, and fans alike.