Received a note today from the Oilers that general manager Kevin Lowe "will be on hand to announce important changes to the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Operations Department" today at a press conference.

The announcement is coming at 1:30.

UPDATE The Oilers have promoted Kevin Lowe from GM to president of hockey operations, hired Steve Tambellini from the Canucks to be the new GM and made Kevin Prendergast the assistant GM. [team release]

UPDATE For those that don't know the name well, Tambellini has been in the Canucks organization for 17 years, the past decade as a vice president in a hockey operations role. He was the assistant GM under Dave Nonis and Mike Gillis.

It was thought by some that he would be the replacement for Nonis, and when Gillis was hired, the possibility of Tambellini jumping ship was always there.

He's also had a big role with the Canadian national team, working as the director of player personnel with the 2002 Olympic team, 2003 world championship team and 2004 World Cup team.

Lowe and Tambellini worked together with the Hockey Canada program.

UPDATE Do note that this is not a move to take Lowe out of a hockey-related role. Lowe is highly regarded by new owner Daryl Katz and is likely to play a major role going forward.

Essentially, this is about creating a management structure with several hockey minds working together. Lowe remains at the top of that hierarchy.

UPDATE Here's Canucks GM Mike Gillis on the move: "On behalf of the entire Canucks organization we would like to thank Steve for his many contributions to our club as a player and manager over nearly 20 years. Since his days as a player and continuing through his time spent in our front office, Steve was a committed member of our team and community.

"This is an opportunity that Steve could not pass up and we are in full support of his decision to advance his career. We wish him, his wife Denise and their entire family the best of luck in the future."
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