In which Craig MacTavish is handed the future of the Edmonton Oilers

Depending on what organizational chart you're looking at, and your interpretation of Edmonton Oilers coaching history, Craig MacTavish was hired on Monday to oversee the man who fired him. Which is a great gig if you can get it.

MacTavish stepped down as the head coach of the Chicago Wolves in the AHL to return to Edmonton as "Senior Vice-President, Hockey Operations." According to TSN's Darren Dreger, MacTavish will have a hand in draft prep, the Oilers' coaching hire — guess we now know what's taking so long on that front — and, of course, signings and trades.

The move comes after GM Steve Tambellini was given a contract extension last week, which is either an indication that Daryl Katz simply has more money than he knows what to do with or that MacTavish's hiring doesn't necessarily portend Tambellini's end.

Instead, David Staples of the Edmonton Journal sees this hiring as a potential replacement for Kevin Lowe, with whom MacTavish is tight.

From Staples:

Hard to think Craig MacTavish won't be taking over the entire show soon enough. That's just my gut reaction, no inside information there. But I base this opinion on a few things: 1. Kevin Lowe has had a long run with the Oilers. It's not an easy job. Does he really want to do it forever? 2. It's been widely reported that MacTavish is close to owner Daryl Katz. 3. MacTavish is an extremely bright and capable man, suited for the heavy analytical work now required as an NHL hockey boss.

It's as good a theory as any. Maybe we'll find out more when MacTavish speaks later on today.

But the best guess, shared by Copper & Blue, is still that Tambellini is toast of the Oilers struggle again, and MacTavish hits the ground running after several months in the front office to replace him.

But that would just be the public scape-goating; it's pretty obvious now that Tambellini's influence on hockey ops decisions will be advisory at best. Hey, whatever pays the bills.

As for the Oilers' next head coach, I've heard MacTavish isn't all that tight with Ralph Krueger, who might be the players' choice as the next bench boss. For whatever that's worth.

Is there room on the Oilers for the dual role of Head Coach/Senior Vice-President, Hockey Operations? Because we were probably not alone in our hopes that MacTavish would return from the AHL behind an NHL bench eventually.