3-time Stanley Cup winner Joel Quenneville linked to Eastern Conference team
The Detroit Red Wings are approaching the new season with a Stanley Cup Playoffs or bust mentality & if they get off to a slow start there's speculation they may turn to coach Joel Quenneville.
Quenneville has been one of the most controversial figures in the NHL due to his involvement in the Kyle Beach scandal during his time with the Chicago Blackhawks. Like Stan Bowman, Quenneville was recently reinstated by the NHL. While Bowman was hired by the Edmonton Oilers Quenneville remains without a job though he's been linked to several teams.
According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, the Red Wings are closely monitoring Quenneville as a possible replacement for current head coach Derek Lalonde if the team doesn't show improvement. Though Lalonde is well liked Yzerman is reportedly ready to make a bold move if needed & Quenneville could be on his list of potential hires.
This would be a big shake up for the Red Wings especially with the possibility of Quenneville reuniting with Patrick Kane who is now in Detroit. However Brooks notes that Yzerman is concerned this hire could alienate some Red Wings fans due to Quenneville's controversial past similar to how Bowman's hiring in Edmonton was received.
Ultimately, Quenneville's return to coaching seems inevitable, and while it may not happen in Edmonton alongside Bowman, there are several teams that could consider bringing in the three-time Stanley Cup winner this season.
