In a surprising but strategic move, the Anaheim Ducks have reportedly offered their vacant head coaching position to veteran bench boss Joel Quenneville. According to NHL insider James Murphy of rg.org, a well-connected source has revealed, “The job is his if he wants it, and I’ll be stunned if he doesn’t take it.”
Quenneville, known for his championship pedigree, hasn’t been behind an NHL bench since October 2021. He stepped down as head coach of the Florida Panthers following the fallout of the Chicago Blackhawks‘ sexual assault scandal investigation involving former video coach Brad Aldrich. Though Quenneville wasn’t the main figure of controversy, his departure came amidst league-wide scrutiny.
Now, after a lengthy absence and a shifting NHL landscape, it appears the door is open for Quenneville’s return — and the Ducks are ready to give him that opportunity.
Anaheim’s general manager Pat Verbeek has a personal connection to Quenneville, dating back to their days as teammates with the New Jersey Devils in the early 1980s. It’s no coincidence Verbeek would turn to a trusted figure as the Ducks look to transition from a rebuilding team into a playoff contender.
Quenneville’s resume speaks for itself: three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks (2010, 2013, 2015), a Jack Adams Award finalist, and 969 career regular-season wins — second all-time among NHL coaches. His tactical mind and defensive structure could be the exact formula Anaheim needs to push their young core, led by Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish, into the next level of competition.
Joel Quenneville Poised for NHL Return with Anaheim Ducks?
From my perspective, this move makes a ton of sense for Anaheim. After years of transition, the Ducks desperately need a stabilizing presence behind the bench. Hiring a coach with Quenneville’s track record could fast-track their timeline to playoff relevancy.
It’s also worth noting that Stan Bowman, another figure tied to the Blackhawks’ scandal, was reinstated and hired by the Edmonton Oilers. If Bowman has been allowed a second chance, it’s logical that Quenneville would follow suit.
The final decision now rests with Quenneville. Does he want to jump back into the fire with a young, hungry team, or wait for another opportunity? All signs point to him accepting — and if he does, Anaheim instantly becomes one of the most intriguing teams to watch next season.
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