Disgraced former coach Joel Quenneville returns to NHL, linked to Oilers GM
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The Anaheim Ducks have officially announced the hiring of Joel Quenneville, after he was banned from the NHL in October 2021 along with Oilers GM Stan Bowman.
Former Oilers Coach Jay Woodcroft was also named among the finalists for the Ducks job, but lost out to the more veteran option.
Controversial former coach Joel Quenneville re-hired by Ducks after being banned by NHL
According to reports from TSN Insider Darren Dreger, the Ducks will officially name Quenneville their new head coach this afternoon.
As a coach, Quenneville is one of the most accomplished in NHL history. With a record of 969-572-150 and three Stanley Cups, his track record on the ice is undeniable.
A dark cloud hangs over Quenneville for his role in the Chicago Blackhawks' Kyle Beach Scandal, in which Quenneville and Oilers GM Stan Bowman were found to have failed their duties to protect their own player from abuse.
Stan Bowman went through extensive efforts to atone, learn, and grow from his mistakes involving the situation. Quenneville very likely has done the same.
Taking over a rebuilding Ducks team will be a challenge for a veteran coach like Quenneville used to successful teams, but with their young core beginning to mature, he could be a coach to lead them back into the playoffs.
If the Edmonton Oilers had a catastrophic season this year, or were eliminated in the first round, it may have been very possible they would've brought in Joel Quenneville given the connection with Bowman.
Thankfully instead, the Oilers are absolutely rolling with the calm and cool Kris Knoblauch behind the bench.
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