The Edmonton Oilers have narrowed their general manager search to one of the most decorated executives of all time.

The Oilers and Detroit Red Wings senior vice president Ken Holland have conducted extensive negotiations for Edmonton's general manager vacancy, sources told Sportsnet's Mark Spector. Holland will have full autonomy to hire and fire at will if he takes the job, Spector added.

Essentially, Holland can take complete control of Edmonton's hockey operations if he wants the job.

Mark Hunter, Sean Burke, and current interim GM Keith Gretzky reportedly remain contingency candidates if Holland declines the position.

The Red Wings won three Stanley Cups during Holland's 22-year run as general manager. But Detroit named Steve Yzerman its new GM and executive vice president on April 19, removing Holland from his position of ultimate hockey operations authority in the process.

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