In a significant development, the Edmonton Oilers are expected to appoint Mark Hunter as their new General Manager, according to a recent report from Billy Stefan. With this anticipated announcement, it’s essential to delve into Hunter’s track record to understand what he might bring to the Oilers’ table.
Mark Hunter, a renowned name in hockey circles, gained most of his acclaim as the long-standing part-owner and General Manager of the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) London Knights. Under the stewardship of Hunter and his brother, Dale Hunter, a former NHL player, the Knights have emerged as a powerhouse in Canadian junior hockey. Since the 2004-05 season, the team has clinched five OHL championships and two Memorial Cups, showcasing their dominant presence.
During the 2011-12 season, when Dale temporarily vacated the coach’s spot to lead the Washington Capitals, Mark stepped in as the head coach and led the Knights to a solid 29-13-0 finish, securing the first of two back-to-back OHL titles.
Under his management, the Knights have excelled at nurturing young talents, with notable NHL stars like Patrick Kane, John Carlson, and Mitch Marner beginning their journeys there. The team has also been a launching pad for recent Oilers players such as Corey Perry, Sam Gagner, and Evan Bouchard.
Before potentially joining the Oilers, Hunter accumulated NHL-level experience with the Toronto Maple Leafs, initially as Director of Player Personnel before stepping up as Assistant General Manager until 2018. During his tenure, Hunter was influential in drafting Mitch Marner, a standout choice that greatly benefitted Toronto.
In Toronto, out of 27 drafted players during Hunter’s time, only a handful made it to regular NHL play, underscoring a mixed record in draft success. His involvement in trades, like acquiring Zach Hyman from Florida—who later turned into a key player for both Toronto and Edmonton—showcased his keen eye for potential. However, Hunter also faced criticism, particularly regarding the minimal gains from the high-profile Phil Kasket trade.
After leaving Toronto in 2018, Hunter returned to London and continued his role in shaping the Knights, leading them to additional championships, the latest in the 2022-23 season although they fell short in the Memorial Cup Final.
As Hunter potentially steps into his role with the Oilers, the team’s CEO, Jeff Jackson, has highlighted the need to bolster the farm system and enhance amateur scouting capabilities. Hunter’s patchy but sometimes insightful NHL draft history will be a crucial area of focus if he is to elevate the Oilers’ talent pipeline and build a sustainable, competitive team.
In summary, if Mark Hunter’s expected appointment goes through, the Oilers are poised to benefit from his valuable experience and proven track modernizing and steering successful hockey programs, albeit mixed outcomes in past NHL roles. His appointment could either be a stroke of brilliance reminiscent of his insistence on drafting Marner or a learning curve in addressing and bolstering the Oilers’ scouting and developmental frameworks.
