Kevin Lowe Must Go

The time has come in Edmonton. It’s time for the Oilers to cut ties with the guy who was their first draft pick, scored their first goal, won five cups with the team, coached the team and GM’d it to the 2006 Stanley Cup finals. Oh, and when I say cut ties, I mean cut ties for good, not let Lowe go to New York for a few years and comeback. It’s time to breakup for good, forever.

Kevin Lowe has been the lone constant over the last eight seasons of playoff-less hockey in Edmonton (Yes, I’m pulling the plug on this year, sorry!) and is the last guy left that needs to pay the price. He had just as big of a role as anyone in the demolition of this Oilers team, who went from Cup finalists to annual basement dwellers. Lowe’s been here through it all, and has had a hand in the decision making through the darkest era in Oilers hockey.

It isn’t just the decisions on personal either that have brought this time before us. It’s comments by Lowe too, arrogant comments that have alienated the fanbase and brought forth laughter in 29 other NHL cities. It’s things like saying there are tier one fans that pay to attend the games, and then there are tier two fans who watch on TV. No other organization has ever had someone say something as short-sighted as that, never.

Let’s not forget about the quote that still brings up giggles in every other hockey city in the league, the comment that Lowe made last April.

I’ll say that there’s one other guy in hockey today that is still working in the game that has won more Stanley Cups than me. So I think I know a little bit about winning, if there’s ever a concern.

The quote was nearly laughable from Lowe. Yes, he does know a thing or two about winning, as a player. As an executive? He put together a few decent squads, highlighted by the 2006 team, but since then has successfully ran the Edmonton Oilers through rock bottom. To say something like this? That was laughable in April, and is even more so now.

Do you know something about winning Kevin? Well if you do you should spread that wisdom pretty quickly to that 3-10-2 team of yours. Would be a good idea no?

Lowe has been the face of the Edmonton Oilers front office since he took over as GM many years ago. Since then? The Oilers have made the playoffs just three times. For those counting, that’s three times in thirteen years. That’s not mediocre, that’s awful. No other executive in sports would survive that kind of nuclear bomb on the resume.

Kevin Lowe bleeds orange and blue, there is no denying that. That being said, it is in the best interest of the organization to part ways with Lowe. He’s been the poster child of the front office and has had his hand in the decision making process for 13 long seasons. The results? Just three trips to the playoffs and a lot of heartache.

It’s arguably the worst front office record in sports today, and one that helps explain the Oilers continuous problems on the ice. No executive should be around with that kind of record, and the time is now to take action.

Sorry Kevin, but the time has come. Your time in Edmonton is up, it’s time to pack your bags and go. Do the right thing and step down from the Edmonton Oilers front office.