Joel Quenneville’s NHL career has been marred by controversy, yet he possesses valuable insights and might find a position with the Detroit Red Wings if their performance doesn’t improve. Although his ban was lifted in 2024, Quenneville has not secured a coaching role in the NHL, which could be attributed to either a lack of opportunities or the ongoing fallout from controversies surrounding him. Nonetheless, he is a seasoned coach, having won three Stanley Cups and demonstrated a talent for maximizing player potential in any coaching role, whether as a head coach, assistant, or consultant.
If the Detroit Red Wings continue to struggle, Quenneville could soon be back in the mix, especially as he has been mentioned as a possible replacement for head coach Derek Lalonde. According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, while Lalonde is well-liked, there’s pressure on the organization, particularly from GM Steve Yzerman, who might have Quenneville as a potential solution if the team fails to improve. The Red Wings had high expectations for this season, bolstered by the acquisitions of Alex DeBrincat, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Erik Gustafsson, but have not achieved the performance Yzerman anticipated. Bringing Quenneville on board would reunite him with Patrick Kane, a player he previously coached in Chicago.
Quenneville has coached four NHL teams, including the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, and Florida Panthers, accumulating a record of 969-572-77 overall and a playoff record of 121-104. His accolades include three Stanley Cup championships with the Blackhawks and the Jack Adams Trophy in the 1999-2000 season. He ranks second all-time in NHL wins and fifth in coaching games, highlighting his effectiveness as a coach.
However, his controversial exit from the league—prompted by revelations during the Brad Aldrich investigation, where he was found to have prior knowledge of misconduct—raises concerns for teams considering him. Even though he resigned and was banned (a ban later lifted), teams may hesitate to hire him due to potential backlash. Yet, if the Red Wings truly want to turn their season around, they may have to take risks in their coaching choices.
