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Hitch for GM*.

With an asterisk.

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Consider that as a short-term solution to the Edmonton Oilers’ current situation, with a lame duck general manager who has lost the fan base and the media and, quite likely, lost the owner and CEO, who have a 10-day break ahead to consider firing Peter Chiarelli now instead of later.

Think about it.

Replace Chiarelli with assistant Keith Gretzky and give head coach Ken Hitchcock the call to make the moves that he thinks ought to be made.

Hitchcock was the guest on Hockey Night In Canada’s ‘After Hours’ with Scott Oake and Louie DeBrusk Saturday, and made several interesting statements.

Hitchcock came out of retirement for one reason. The Edmonton Oilers called.

“I was retired. I have to tell you, I was enjoying it. Two teams had called and I said no. And then Edmonton called. And that’s a whole different story.

“I live 10 minutes from here. I grew up 10 minutes from here, right across the river. This is my home. There’s a huge emotional tug to do something like this. My heroes played for the Oilers. I was here for Game 1, WHA (World Hockey Association).