Oilers to name Bob Nicholson chairman, Tom Anselmi President and COO

The Edmonton Oilers announced that they are changing up their management structure today as Bob Nicholson moves from being the company’s CEO to the role of chairman, while Tom Anselmi will now oversee business operations as President and COO.

According to a release from the team, Bob Nicholson’s new role will be as the senior leader of OEG’s hockey teams, including the Oilers, Bakersfield Condors, and Oil Kings. He will also work alongside Katz Group CEO, Jurgen Schreiber, on expanding the OEG’s global reach and spreading the Oilers brand around the world. On the hockey side, newly appointed GM Ken Holland will still report to Nicholson despite having full autonomy over all things Edmonton Oilers. (Yes, the Oilers included that Holland has full autonomy in their release)

As President, Business Operations and COO, Tom Anselmi will be responsible for all aspects of OEG’s business operations, including facility management, operation of Rogers Place, sales and marketing, team finance and everything in between. Previously, Anselmi worked with the Canucks as a Vice President before spending more than 17 years with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, filling varying roles until his departure in July of 2013. Most recently, Anselmi spent a year with the Ottawa Senators as President and CEO before stepping down in January.

While these managerial moves may or may not have all that much to do with what happens on the ice, one storyline that will be interesting to follow as the year plays out is what will happen to Bob Nicholson. Word on the street is that IIHF President Rene Fasel could be stepping down at the end of his contract, a post that could have Nicholson’s name on it if he wants the gig. Could this be the first step? We shall see. Either way, the summer of change continues in Edmonton.