Penguins and Flames both linked to a controversial NHL GM.

The Calgary Flames made a series of major organizational changes following the end of the 2022-23 National Hockey League regular season, first parting ways with former Flames general manager Brad Treliving and then subsequently firing former Flames head coach Darryl Sutter.

That large of an organizational shift usually means that the search for the next general manager will be especially important as it will likely shape the future of the team over the next several years. As a result you would expect that the Flames will cast a wide net as they seek out the best possible candidates.

The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in a similar position after having just missed out on the playoffs. The Penguins fired both president of hockey operations Brian Burke and general manager Ron Hextall after their season came to an end, and the Fenway Sports Group will also undoubtedly cast a wide net in their search for replacements.

On Saturday night, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that controversial former Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman has been linked to both of these teams.

"I think Pittsburgh and Calgary are among the teams that have shown interest in Bowman," said Friedman during the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast.

Bowman is of course a controversial figure due to his links to the Kyle Beach scandal that rocked the foundations of the Blackhawks organization, and there is some question as to whether or not he would even be eligible for the position.

"From what I've been told teams are free to talk to both [Joel] Quenneville and Bowman, but neither individual can be hired until they have been cleared by the commissioner" said Friedman.

Friedman also revealed that neither Quenneville nor Bowman have been cleared by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman at this time, although that could change at a moment's notice based on the whims of the commissioner.