Oilers hire Chiarelli for front-office position

via NHL.com

Peter Chiarelli, fired as general manager by the Boston Bruins last week, will join the Edmonton Oilers' front office, according to multiple reports Thursday.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Oilers are expected to announce the hiring at a news conference Friday.

Chiarelli met with the Oilers on Wednesday, though TSN reported that the meeting was not necessarily for the job of general manager, a position now held by Craig MacTavish. New CEO Bob Nicholson has said that all aspects of hockey operations are under review.

Friedman reported the exact structure of the Oilers' front office with Chiarelli was not immediately known.

As Ryan said:

But if they are talking about a position with the organization, then hiring him would almost certainly bring to an end the tenure of either Kevin Lowe or Craig MacTavish. Someone's job might actually be on the line.

more from Mr. Batty:

What you should take away from this is that they’re will to talk to people outside the organization about jobs. That is big.

However, it's yet another hire without an interview process.  Like Steve Tambellini, Pat Quinn, Tom Renney, Craig MacTavish, Scott Howson .... and the list goes on ... before him, the Oilers add another executive without talking to other qualified candidates first.  That's worked out well thus far.