Joel Quenneville returns to NHL as Anaheim Ducks head coach after controversy

In Anaheim, California, Joel Quenneville has made his return to the NHL as the newly appointed head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, marking his first head coaching role since resigning from the Florida Panthers three and a half years prior. Quenneville, who is the second-winningest coach in NHL history, faced significant scrutiny following an independent investigation into the mishandling of allegations made by former player Kyle Beach against a Chicago Blackhawks video coach during their 2010 Stanley Cup run. He, along with others from the Blackhawks organization, was banned from the league for nearly three years after the investigation found that they did not appropriately address the allegations at the time. The Ducks' general manager, Pat Verbeek, emphasized that the organization conducted thorough due diligence before hiring Quenneville. Verbeek's comments indicated that the team's findings aligned with Quenneville’s account of being unaware of the full extent of the situation in 2010. He expressed confidence in Quenneville's growth and accountability, contending that Quenneville deserves another chance in coaching. Quenneville himself expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to the NHL, acknowledging his past mistakes and articulating a commitment to being a better leader and making decisions that will benefit both the team and community. His hiring has stirred mixed reactions from fans and critics alike, with some believing he has atoned sufficiently, while others remain critical of his past actions. Notably, during his introductory press conference, Quenneville took time to address the scandal directly, stating the actions that had occurred were horrific and inexcusable. He further expressed a desire for others to learn from his past inaction and emphasized his commitment to actions rather than words. The Ducks, who had struggled in recent seasons and finished sixth in their division, are looking to Quenneville to lead the team to a brighter future amidst their rebuilding phase. With a roster that includes promising young talent and seasoned veterans, Quenneville's return could soon reshape the culture and performance of the Ducks as they aim for playoff contention in the upcoming season. His tenure with the Ducks represents not only a second chance for the coach but also a pivotal moment for the franchise in creating a competitive team going forward.