After more than two years on suspension, Joel Quenneville is closing in on a return to coaching in the NHL. The three-time Stanley Cup-winning head coach, previously with the Chicago Blackhawks, is conducting interviews with several franchises, and a surprising frontrunner has emerged.
The Blackhawks are one of the handful of NHL franchises in an active search for their next head coach. After David Carle stepped down from the race for the Hawks’ vacant job, the team in Chicago is still acephalous when it comes to their bench.
Quenneville, who hoisted three Stanley Cups during his ten-year stay in Windy City, could emerge as a strong candidate to succeed interim coach Anders Sorensen. However, there are some roadblocks impeding a smooth return.
On the one hand, fans and the organization might not be on board with Coach Q’s return, due to the allegations that have sidelined him from the NHL from 2021 until July 2024, when he was officially allowed to seek employment in the league.
Joel Quenneville of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on during practice day at the 2016 Coors Light Stadium Series on February 20, 2016 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
On the other hand, the Blackhawks may be looking for a different coaching style, one that’s more in line with their young, up-and-coming roster. However, another rebuilding team might be trending toward signing Quenneville.
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According to reports from insiders Frank Seravalli and John Buccigross, Quenneville interviewed with the Anaheim Ducks for the head coaching job, and is considered a strong candidate. Though it’s still early in the process, and the Ducks will conduct interviews with other candidates.
Former teammate
As noted by Seravalli, there is a strong link between the Ducks and Quenneville, which could signal the 66-year-old coach is trending towards the franchise in Anaheim. Ducks General Manager Pat Verbeek and Quenneville were teammates with the Hartford Whalers during the 1989-90 season.
Carle is not headed to Chicago
Perhaps the biggest question mark in the NHL’s coaching market, surrounds David Carle, the University of Denver and Team USA U-20 head coach, who is in consideration by every franchise without an official head coach.
The Blackhawks heavily pursued Carle, but he has shut that door and is staying in Denver, at least for now, unless an offer from a different franchise comes his way.
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Along with the Blackhawks and Ducks, the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Seattle Kraken are also actively searching for a new head coach for the 2025-26 season. It’s unclear whether Carle’s decision reflects a desire to stay in the NCAA, or if it was solely a lack of interest in joining Chicago.
