Ducks hire Joel Quenneville as next coach

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 4:05 pm

Ducks Make a Bold Move: Joel Quenneville Hired as Head Coach

The Anaheim Ducks are making a splash! They've hired veteran coach Joel Quenneville, a four-time Stanley Cup champion, to lead their team. This move comes less than a year after Quenneville was reinstated by the NHL following a suspension related to his time with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Quenneville, 66, boasts an impressive resume. He won a Stanley Cup as an assistant with the Colorado Avalanche and then led the Chicago Blackhawks to three championships in a six-year span. Notably, one of those victories came against the Ducks in the 2015 Western Conference Finals.

However, Quenneville's past also includes controversy. He was suspended in 2021 for his role in the Blackhawks' handling of sexual assault allegations against a former video coach. The NHL investigation found he and other executives provided an insufficient response to the allegations.

In Anaheim, Quenneville replaces Greg Cronin, who oversaw significant improvements in the team's performance. Quenneville inherits a young Ducks team that has struggled in recent years, missing the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons. The Ducks are hoping Quenneville can replicate the success he had in Chicago, where he transformed a struggling team into a dynasty. He's known for his ability to develop young talent and build winning cultures.

BNN's Perspective: This is a high-risk, high-reward move for the Ducks. While Quenneville's coaching record is undeniable, the controversy surrounding his past is a significant concern. The Ducks organization will need to demonstrate a commitment to accountability and transparency as they move forward. If Quenneville can focus on the team and the Ducks can create a supportive environment, this could be a turning point for the franchise. However, the shadow of his past will always be present.

Keywords: Joel Quenneville, Anaheim Ducks, NHL, head coach, Stanley Cup, Chicago Blackhawks, Greg Cronin, coaching, hockey, Western Conference Finals, sexual assault allegations, reinstatement, franchise, playoffs, young team, dynasty.

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