Oilers revamp – The Edmonton Oilers have reshuffled key roles across hockey operations, promoting Andreas Karlsson, expanding their Europe talent push under Toby Salmelainen, and bringing in Kirt Hill as assistant general manager for player procurement.
When the Edmonton Oilers make a front-office change, it rarely stays inside the walls of hockey operations for long. This time, the message is loud and structural: new people in new lanes, and a sharper push for talent—especially from Europe.
Kirt Hill, previously the general manager and president of hockey operations for the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings, has joined the Oilers as assistant general manager, player procurement. In the job, Hill will handle professional and amateur scouting, with direct responsibility for undrafted free agents.
Andreas Karlsson also received a promotion, now serving as director of player development. His remit is broader and more specific at the same time: he will create development plans for drafted and signed prospects in the AHL, CHL, NCAA and Europe.
The Oilers have also created a new group within their front-office staff aimed at acquiring talent from Europe. Toby Salmelainen, in his third year with the organization, has been tapped to lead that unit as AGM, European Operations.
General manager Stan Bowman framed the moves as part of an effort to tighten multiple parts of the player pipeline at once. In a statement released by the team. Bowman said the additions and promotions reflect “continued efforts over the past number of months to improve our scouting. player development. hockey analytics and player services departments. ” adding that each area is “equally critical” to the Oilers’ success now and in the years to come. as well as their “increased focus on Europe as a growing source of exceptional hockey talent.”.
Alongside those headline roles, the organization also announced a series of promotions across analytics and hockey operations. Michael Parkatti has been named vice president of analytics and technology. Kalle Larsson is promoted to assistant general manager, player development and innovation. Justin Mahe becomes director of hockey operations and player experience. Michael Chan steps into the role of president, general manager and WHL alternate governor of the Edmonton Oil Kings. Jamie Jackson is promoted to director of scouting for the Oil Kings.
Bowman’s latest staff overhaul comes after a coaching shake-up that landed last month. He fired head coach Kris Knoblauch and assistant Mark Stuart on May 14 following the Oilers’ first-round loss to the Anaheim Ducks—his first major change since being appointed in 2024.
The timing and the scope line up into a clear picture: after the Anaheim Ducks ended Edmonton’s run. the organization didn’t just swap people on the bench. It reshaped the machinery behind scouting. development. analytics and player services—then added an entire front-office unit built to pull talent from Europe more directly.
Edmonton Oilers hockey operations Kirt Hill player procurement Andreas Karlsson player development Toby Salmelainen European Operations Stan Bowman Kris Knoblauch Mark Stuart Anaheim Ducks Oil Kings front office changes