Introduction to Joel Quenneville’s New Role

Joel Quenneville is returning to the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks for his first head coaching job since the second-winningest coach in league history resigned and was banned for his handling of a sexual assault scandal.

Background on Quenneville’s Hiring

The 66-year-old Quenneville was hired by Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek on Thursday for his first coaching job since his resignation from the Florida Panthers 3 1/2 years ago in the wake of his handling of the sexual assault scandal during his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Verbeek’s Statement on the Hiring Decision

Verbeek called the move “a major step forward in our process of being a perennial playoff contender" and said the team had done its due diligence. “Over the last two weeks, we conducted interviews with many outstanding coaching candidates, while simultaneously conducting a comprehensive review of what took place while Joel was head coach of the Blackhawks in 2010," he said. "Our findings are consistent with Joel’s account that he was not fully aware of the severity of what transpired in 2010. It is clear that Joel deeply regrets not following up with more questions at the time, has demonstrated meaningful personal growth and accountability and has earned the opportunity to return to coaching.”

The Blackhawks Scandal

Quenneville and Blackhawks executives Stan Bowman and Al MacIsaac were banned from the NHL for nearly three years after an independent investigation concluded that the team mishandled allegations raised by former player Kyle Beach against video coach Brad Aldrich during the team’s Stanley Cup run in 2010. The trio was reinstated last July, and Bowman became the Edmonton Oilers’ general manager three weeks later.

Quenneville’s Reflection on His Past Mistakes

Quenneville said he was “truly grateful” to be back in the league. “In nearly four years away from the game, I have learned from my prior mistakes and realized it will be actions over words that demonstrate my commitment to being a better leader,” he said.

Coaching Experience and Achievements

Before his departure, Quenneville spent parts of 25 NHL seasons behind the benches of St. Louis, Colorado, Chicago and Florida, establishing himself as his era’s most consistent winning coach. He led the Blackhawks to Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013 and 2015. His 969 career victories are the second-most in NHL history, trailing only Scotty Bowman’s 1,244.

The Anaheim Ducks’ Current State

Quenneville takes over a team that has missed the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons, the third-longest active absence in the NHL. Anaheim finished sixth in the Pacific Division this season at 35-37-10 after being in the bottom two for the previous four consecutive years. He replaces Greg Cronin, who was surprisingly fired by Verbeek at the conclusion of his second season in charge.

Expectations for the Future

While announcing the change, Verbeek said he expects the Ducks to make the playoffs next season. That’s a pronouncement that the first-time GM had never made during his 3 1/2 years in charge of owner Henry Samueli’s franchise. Quenneville has plenty of experience in getting teams to the postseason. His teams have made 20 Stanley Cup playoff appearances, reaching the postseason in all but two of the 22 seasons he finished.

The Team’s Roster

Quenneville inherits a team with an ample stock of young talent. The roster includes No. 2 overall pick Leo Carlsson, No. 3 overall picks Mason McTavish and Beckett Sennecke, promising forward Cutter Gauthier, rising defensemen Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov, and several veteran forwards, including two-time All-Star Troy Terry and Trevor Zegras.

Conclusion

Joel Quenneville’s hiring by the Anaheim Ducks marks a significant step in his journey back to the NHL after a tumultuous past. With his extensive experience and achievements, he is expected to make a positive impact on the team. As the Ducks look to rebuild and make a push for the playoffs, Quenneville’s leadership will be crucial in shaping the team’s future.

FAQs

• Q: What was Joel Quenneville’s previous role before being hired by the Anaheim Ducks?
  A: Quenneville was the head coach of the Florida Panthers before his resignation.
• Q: Why was Quenneville banned from the NHL?
  A: Quenneville was banned due to his handling of a sexual assault scandal during his! tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks.
• Q: What are the expectations for the Anaheim Ducks under Quenneville’s leadership?
  A: The Ducks are expected to make the playoffs next season under Quenneville’s guidance.
• Q: Who does Quenneville replace as the head coach of the Anaheim Ducks?
  A: Quenneville replaces Greg Cronin, who was fired by general manager Pat Verbeek.
• Q: What is Quenneville’s coaching experience in the NHL?
  A: Quenneville has spent parts of 25 NHL seasons behind the benches of St. Louis, Colorado, Chicago, and Florida.