The Chicago Blackhawks and head coach Joel Quenneville might be heading towards a mutual parting of ways
Many factors have played in the Chicago Blackhawks turnaround. Before the 2008-09 season, the Hawks hadn’t made the postseason in five seasons. The hiring of Joel Quenneville turned the Blackhawks into perennial Stanley Cup contenders for the better part of the last decade.
However, all good things must come to an end. The Blackhawks have won three Stanley Cups with Quenneville at the helm. But Chicago has already been eliminated from postseason contention, currently sitting in last place in the Central Division.
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According to Nick Kypreos from Sportsnet, the two sides have an uncertain future.
"“There’s going to be a lot of speculation once the season ends about a few teams contemplating coaching changes, but none more intriguing than the Chicago Blackhawks and Joel Quenneville’s future.”"
The Blackhawks have been very successful under Quenneville. However, there has always been a bit of friction between the coaching staff and the front office. In the past, it’s worked well. And, as they say, winning cures everything in sports.
Now that the Blackhawks are no longer winning, the tension is starting to test the patience of both sides. Chicago has an important decision to make.
It’s fairly obvious they need to rebuild, or at least retool. Is Quenneville still the best man for that job? If the answer to that question is “no”, a parting of ways is truly what’s best for both sides.
Should Quenneville not return to the Blackhawks, he will be heavily coveted by multiple NHL teams. Mike Babcock not returning to the Detroit Red Wings is the only time in recent memory such a good coach has been a free agent.
Next: Top 3 Reasons The Blackhawks Missed The Playoffs
Unlike that time, the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs won’t have head coaching vacancies. So this could get really interesting. The Washington Capitals, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, and New York Rangers are just a few teams who could be looking for a new coach this summer.
According to CapFriendly, Quenneville has $12 million remaining on his contract over the next two seasons.
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