The Anaheim Ducks have endured a tough stretch in recent years, missing the playoffs every season since 2017-18 and spending much of that time near the bottom of the NHL standings.
Even after showing some improvement this past season, the Ducks decided to part ways with head coach Greg Cronin.
Despite the progress, Anaheim’s front office reportedly felt the rise was more a result of the players’ efforts than Cronin’s coaching.
Now, with a head coaching vacancy, Anaheim appears to be zeroing in on a replacement.
Reports indicate the Ducks are seriously considering former Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville.
Quenneville has been out of the NHL since his involvement in the 2010 Blackhawks scandal, where the team was accused of covering up a sexual assault involving a player and a video coach during the playoffs.
Quenneville was reportedly made aware of the incident but deferred action until after the Stanley Cup Finals at management’s request.
While Quenneville’s resume includes three Stanley Cup titles and a reputation as one of the NHL’s all-time great coaches, his potential return has sparked controversy.
Multiple reports suggest Anaheim has already met with Quenneville and even offered him the job, though nothing has been finalized.
The possibility has not sat well with many Ducks fans, who have voiced their concerns loudly. Some have written letters to the organization, while fan accounts have encouraged others to do the same.
As Anaheim moves forward with its coaching search, it faces a critical decision. With a young, rebuilding roster, the Ducks cannot afford another misstep — but hiring Quenneville could create a backlash that’s hard to overcome.
