Though most NHL rumors these days revolve around the trade deadline, the hottest name is former Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville. Where might he land?
The NHL’s most attractive free agent this offseason may very well be someone who doesn’t appear on the ice at all in the form of head coach Joel Quenneville. He is the NHL’s 2nd winningest coach in history with 890 has remained a free agent since being let go by the Chicago Blackhawks after a 6-6-3 start. The latest NHL rumors have him waiting for the right opportunity.
Quenneville joined the Blackhawks in 2008 and led the franchise to three Stanley Cup titles in 2010, 2013, and 2015. He amassed a record of 797-452-249. Since rumors of the Philadelphia Flyers being interested in him before them firing David Hakstol in December, there has been no talk of interest in him since.
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But where could he possible land next season? Which teams offer the best fit?
1. Philadelphia Flyers – The Flyers were rumored to be talking to Joel Quenneville days before the firing of Head Coach Dave Hakstol in December. They ended up hiring former New York Islanders head coach Scott Gordon and since have gone 8-8-2.
While there is no indication Gordon will get the interim title removed, he does have the Flyers on a four-game win streak going into Tuesday night’s game against the Rangers on Jan. 29.
2. Edmonton Oilers- After firing Todd McLellan on November 20, 2018, the Edmonton Oilers went out and hired Ken Hitchcock, who is currently third in NHL history in wins. With superstar Connor McDavid to go along with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl, one would think this would be the opportunity of a lifetime. The recent hiring of Keith Gretzky as interim general manager to replace Peter Chiarelli suggests he will at least have a say in the next head coach.
3. Los Angeles Kings- A team that many assumed would be a contender this season has turned out to be anything but. Head Coach John Stevens was fired after a 4-8-1 start. Replaced with interim Head Coach Willie Desjardins, the Los Angeles Kings haven’t fared much better sitting at 20-26-4 and last in the Western Conference wild-card race.
The Kings are interesting because Joel Quenneville previously coached current Kings GM Rob Blake in Colorado. They could easily be the frontrunner for Quenneville’s services if they’re willing to go against policy and open up their checkbook for an elite coach.
4. St. Louis Blues- The St. Louis Blues fired head coach Mike Yeo in November after going 7-9-3 to start the season and replaced him with Assistant Coach Craig Berube. Since the change at Head Coach, the Blues are 15-13-2 and are sixth in the Western Conference wild-card race.
If the Blues make a run for the postseason, Berube could easily have the interim label removed. But, Joel Quenneville has a history with St. Louis having coached the franchise from 199-2004 to a record of 307-191-77-17 and a Conference Finals Appearance in 2000-01 against Colorado. His availability could be enticing enough for a reunion.
Regardless, Quenneville will no doubt have his fair share of suitors and a pretty decent contract ahead of him.