Edmonton Oilers name Tambellini GM, promote Lowe to president

courtesy Canadian Press

EDMONTON — Steve Tambellini was named general manager of the Edmonton Oilers as part of a shakeup in the team's executive offices Thursday, taking over from Kevin Lowe, who becomes president of hockey operations.

Kevin Prendergast, the team's longtime vice-president of hockey operations, also gets a promotion to assistant general manager. "My favourite motto is expect the unexpected," Lowe told a news conference. "The unexpected happened in the last four to six days."

Lowe had been GM of the club since June 9, 2000 and helped guide the team to the Stanley Cup final in 2006.

The Oilers have finished out of the playoffs the past two seasons, finishing ninth in the Western Conference at 41-35-8 for 88 points, three back of Nashville for the final post-season berth.

Tambellini takes over the Oilers after 17 seasons in a variety of management roles with the Vancouver Canucks, serving as their vice-president and assistant GM the past three seasons.

He inherits a team stocked with young talent, led by forwards Ales Hemsky, Sam Gagner and Andrew Cogliano.

"I could get to another level with these people," Tambellini said of Edmonton's management team.

Lowe and Tambellini have known each other for years and worked together as executives on a few Canadian national teams. Lowe said he was aware of the out Tambellini had in his contract for just such a position.

Tambellini also becomes the latest high-profile executive to leave the Canucks in the wake of Dave Nonis' firing as general manager and his replacement with Mike Gillis.

"On behalf of the entire Canucks organization we would like to thank Steve for his many contributions to our club as a player and manager over nearly 20 years," Gillis said in a statement.

"This is an opportunity that Steve could not pass up and we are in full support of his decision to advance his career."

At least this will make the eventual firing of Craig MacTavish less uncomfortable for Kevin Lowe

I think the Canucks dropped the ball in not promoting Tambellini and now will have to deal with him as a GM for one of their biggest rivials.
It's sad really that a guy can work that long as an AGM in one market and be passed over some many times to take the big chair.
I think Tambellini will do well in Edmonton and as much as I hate to say it..... I wish him the best and all the luck and proves what a bone head move it was not to make him the GM in Vancouver.

I cross my fingers the Canucks will have an entertaining team this year. Despite all the changes, and seemingly senseless firings and defections, I'm trusting they are pros with a vision that will deliver.
Plus I hope they finally get Hi Def cameras for their PPV offerings.