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NHL Rumors: Hockey journalist delivers final verdict on Columbus Blue Jackets' hiring of Joel Quenneville
Joel Quenneville was reinstated by the NHL on July 1. Since then, he has been expected to be a candidate for the head coaching vacancy with the Columbus Blue Jackets'. Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell fired Pascal Vincent on June 17, leading to the search for a new head coach.
The Blue Jackets are currently the only team seeking a head coach for the 2024-25 NHL season, Joel Quenneville's impressive record 969 NHL wins makes him an enticing option.
However, according to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, Quenneville is not a candidate for the position.
"Told nothing has changed regarding Joel Quenneville and the #CBJ head coach vacancy. Quenneville is not a candidate in Columbus," Portzline posted on X.
The Blue Jackets have struggled in recent years, having failed to reach the playoffs since the 2019-20 season and finishing last in the Metropolitan Division three out of the past four years. The next head coach will play a big role in their pursuit to get back into contention.
NHL's statement on Joel Quenneville's reinstatement
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman reinstated Quenneville after nearly three years away from coaching. Quenneville has not worked in the NHL since October 2021.
In its statement, the NHL said:
“While it is clear that, at the time, their responses were unacceptable, each of these three individuals ( others are Stan Bowman and Al MacIsaac) has acknowledged that and used his time away from the game to engage in activities which, not only demonstrate sincere remorse for what happened, but also evidence greater awareness of the responsibilities that all NHL personnel have, particularly personnel who are in positions of leadership.”
“Moreover, each has made... personal improvement by participating in myriad programs... responding in effective and meaningful ways to address alleged acts of abuse... The League expects that they will continue this commitment...”
The reason behind Joel Quenneville's ban from NHL
Quenneville stepped down as head coach of the Florida Panthers during the 2021-22 season after an investigation by the league uncovered his involvement in the Kyle Beach sexual assault case during the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs.
In his 2021 statement, Quenneville accepted the mishandling of the situation and expressed regret for the suffering experienced by Kyle Beach.
"I want to express my sorrow for the pain this young man, Kyle Beach, has suffered. My former team, the Blackhawks, failed Kyle and I own my share of that." Quenneville said (via Pro Hockey rumors). "I want to reflect on how all this happened and take the time to educate myself on ensuring hockey spaces are safe for everyone."
For now, Quenneville will face difficulties in getting accepted by the NHL franchises in his search for a new head coaching role.
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