The Anaheim Ducks have reportedly appointed Joel Quenneville as their new head coach for the 2025–26 NHL season, marking a significant return to the league for the veteran bench boss. The team is set to announce the hiring and hold an introductory press conference later today. This news was broken via The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun.
Joel Quenneville will be hired as the Ducks’ next head coach, sources tell @pierrevlebrun.bsky.social.Quenneville hasn’t coached since 2021, when the NHL determined he had an “inadequate response” to allegations of sexual assault while coaching the Blackhawks.www.nytimes.com/athletic/631…
— The Athletic (@theathletic.bsky.social) 2025-05-08T14:56:57.060Z
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Anaheim Ducks Hire Joel Quenneville as New Head Coach
Quenneville, 66, brings a wealth of experience and success to Anaheim. He previously led the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015. He ranks second all-time in NHL coaching victories with 969 regular-season wins, trailing only Scotty Bowman.
His hiring comes after the Ducks parted ways with Greg Cronin in April. This was following a 35-37-10 season that extended the team’s playoff drought to seven years. General Manager Pat Verbeek emphasized the need for a seasoned leader to guide the team’s young core back to postseason contention.
Quenneville’s return to the NHL follows his resignation from the Florida Panthers in 2021. This was amid scrutiny over his role in the Chicago Blackhawks’ mishandling of sexual assault allegations during the 2010 playoffs. After a thorough review, the NHL reinstated him in July 2024, acknowledging his efforts to address past shortcomings and demonstrating a commitment to personal growth.
What It Means
The Ducks conducted an extensive background check specific to the Kyle Beach case before finalizing the hire, ensuring due diligence in their decision-making process. However, there will be some detractors regarding this hire. Stan Bowman was hired as general manager of the Edmonton Oilers in the last off-season.
Joel Quenneville, as the new beach boss of the Anaheim Ducks, is aiming to leverage his extensive experience and leadership to foster a winning culture and develop their promising roster. The organization and its fans will be watching closely as he embarks on this new chapter in Anaheim.
Main photo by: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
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