Ducks Hire Joel Quenneville Amidst Controversy, Aim for Playoff Contention

The Anaheim Ducks have made a significant move, appointing Joel Quenneville as their new head coach. This marks a return to the NHL for Quenneville, less than a year after the league gave him the green light following his involvement in the Chicago Blackhawks scandal. The hiring decision has sparked debate and scrutiny, given the circumstances surrounding Quenneville’s departure from the league in 2021.

Quenneville, alongside former Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman and executive Al MacIsaac, received clearance to return to the NHL in July. All three had resigned from their positions with the Blackhawks in October 2021, in the wake of an independent investigation that revealed a failure by several team leaders to promptly address allegations of sexual assault against a player in 2010. The player was later identified as Kyle Beach, and the alleged perpetrator was video coach Brad Aldrich.

The NHL had initially barred Quenneville, Bowman, and MacIsaac, citing their inadequate response to the allegations. However, in July of the subsequent year, the league reversed its decision, stating that the individuals had "acknowledged" their shortcomings and used their time away from the sport to participate in activities demonstrating "sincere remorse" and "greater awareness" of the responsibilities of NHL personnel.

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek addressed the controversy head-on during the announcement of Quenneville’s hiring. He emphasized that the team conducted a "comprehensive review" of Quenneville’s actions during his time as head coach of the Blackhawks in 2010. This review included conversations with "dozens of individuals," including advocates for positive change in hockey and NHL leadership.

Verbeek stated that the team’s findings aligned with Quenneville’s account that he was "not fully aware of the severity of what transpired in 2010." Verbeek also asserted that Quenneville "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."

Joel Quenneville, 66, brings a wealth of experience and success to the Ducks. He previously coached the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, and Florida Panthers. He achieved his greatest success with the Blackhawks, leading them to three Stanley Cup titles, including their first in 2010, the year the scandal took place. He resigned from his position as coach of the Florida Panthers after the report about the Blackhawks scandal became public.

Quenneville replaces Greg Cronin, who was fired after two seasons as the Ducks’ head coach. Under Cronin’s leadership, the Ducks showed signs of improvement, increasing their point total by 21 last season. However, they still finished 16 points outside of the playoff picture. The Ducks are hoping that Quenneville’s experience and winning pedigree can accelerate their rebuild and propel them back into contention.

With 969 career wins, Quenneville ranks second in NHL history, trailing only Scotty Bowman. His track record of success is undeniable, and the Ducks are banking on his ability to turn their fortunes around.

"Joel is a proven winner and one of the top coaches in NHL history," Verbeek said. "We believe this is a major step forward in our process of being a perennial playoff contender."

The decision to hire Quenneville is not without its critics. Some argue that his involvement in the Blackhawks scandal should disqualify him from holding a prominent position in the NHL. They believe that his return sends the wrong message and diminishes the seriousness of the allegations against Aldrich and the failure of team leaders to protect Beach.

Others argue that Quenneville has paid his dues and deserves a second chance. They point to his acknowledgement of his past mistakes and his efforts to demonstrate remorse and accountability. They believe that he has the potential to make a positive impact on the Ducks and contribute to the team’s success.

The Ducks’ decision to hire Quenneville is a calculated risk. The team is betting that his coaching expertise and leadership abilities outweigh the potential negative publicity and ethical concerns. The organization is hoping that Quenneville can guide them to a brighter future, while also demonstrating a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all players and staff.

Ultimately, the success of Quenneville’s tenure with the Ducks will be judged not only by the team’s performance on the ice, but also by his actions off the ice. He will need to demonstrate a genuine commitment to learning from the past and fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and zero tolerance for abuse. Only then can he truly earn the trust of the players, the fans, and the hockey community.

The hiring of Joel Quenneville has opened up a complex discussion about redemption, accountability, and the responsibilities of leadership. While the Ducks hope to benefit from his experience and expertise, the organization must also be mindful of the impact that this decision has on the broader hockey community and the ongoing efforts to create a safer and more inclusive sport.