Craig MacTavish replaces Steve Tambellini as Edmonton Oilers GM
Craig MacTavish is returning to the Edmonton Oilers as general manager in the wake of Steve Tambellini's firing.
Last Updated: 15/04/13 6:36pm
Tambellini was in his fifth season with the Oilers, with expectations high because of their young and talented roster, but they were only 12th in the Western Conference with a losing record when his dismissal was announced.
MacTavish coached the Oilers in 2006, leading the team to the Stanley Cup final, where it lost in seven games to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Also returning to the Oilers is former assistant GM Scott Howson, who was recently fired as GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets - he becomes the Oilers' senior vice president of hockey operations.
Oilers President of Hockey Operations Kevin Lowe said: Despite showing areas of improvement over the course of the season, the face of the matter is we are not where we want to be right now, nor where we should be.
"Because careers are short and opportunities for achievement don't come along very often, we feel strongly that it is important that we make some changes right now."