When it comes to final decisions about all things Oilers, Bob Nicholson is the ideal person with whom to speak.



As the CEO and vice-chair of Oilers Entertainment Group, Nicholson is second in command only behind owner Daryl Katz, managing the company’s sports and entertainment assets.



Also part of his job description, Nicholson oversees the hockey operations side of the business with GM Peter Chiarelli reporting to him.



A lot has happened lately in Edmonton under Nicholson’s vast portfolio, most notably a coaching change that has vaulted the Oilers (at least for now) into a playoff spot.



During a brief, six-minute chat with The Athletic on Friday, Nicholson discussed the move, the futures of new bench boss Ken Hitchcock and Chiarelli, the state of the franchise and a couple differences between Edmonton and Calgary.



There’s been a coaching change here recently. What do you think of Ken Hitchcock’s start with the...