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NHL teams may be worried of possible 'backlash' from controversial Joel Quenneville's potential hire, opines Pierre LeBrun
On The SportsCentre with Jay Onrait, TSN hockey insider Pierre LeBrun discussed the potential return of Joel Quenneville to the NHL alongside coaching prospects Gerard Gallant and Jay Woodcroft.
LeBrun shared his thoughts on the potential concerns NHL teams might have regarding the hire of the controversial Joel Quenneville.
Despite his impressive coaching career, Quenneville's involvement in the cover-up of sexual assault accusations from years ago tarnishes his legacy. LeBrun noted that there could be hesitation from teams due to the possible backlash with hiring the former Chicago Blackhawks coach.
While he acknowledged Quenneville's Hall of Fame credentials, including three Stanley Cups with the Hawks, the decision to hire him comes with considerations about the organization's reputation and fan perception. LeBrun said (10:11):
"To me, if it's a team that had high aspirations that falter here, he's kind of top a list for me, obviously, of Joel Quenneville. There are strings attached. He's been cleared by the NHL, but then as an organization, let's be honest, you do have to ask yourself, What if any backlash will happen if we hire him?
"But the guy has Hall of Fame credentials, obviously, three cups in Chicago, and then with Woodcroft, that's more the younger version," LeBrun said."
LeBrun also discussed other coaching options, like Gerard Gallant, known for his strong winning record, and Jay Woodcroft, seen as a younger coaching prospect suitable for teams in transition looking for long-term growth.
Also Read: What happened to Joel Quenneville? Revisiting the controversy that led to the HC's resignation
NHL reinstated Joel Quenneville and two others involved in Blackhawks' assault scandal
On July 1, the NHL reinstated Quenneville along with former Blackhawks executives Stan Bowman and Al Maclsaac, who were banned in 2021 due to their involvement in the Blackhawks assault scandal.
The league emphasized its expectation that it will maintain its commitment to preventing abuse in any future roles within the NHL or its clubs. Quenneville has coached in the NHL for over two decades, leading teams like the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks and the Florida Panthers.
His most successful tenure was with the Hawks, guiding them to Stanley Cup titles in 2010, 2013 and 2015. The 66-year-old also won a Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with the Avalanche (1996).
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