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Controversial Joel Quenneville Linked to Atlantic Team for Head Coaching Role

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Daniel Lucente
November 29, 2024  (9:20)
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Former NHL head coach Joel Quenneville could be returning to the league behind the bench, as he has been linked to the Detroit Red Wings as the team struggles.

The Detroit Red Wings are staring at the grim prospect of another disappointing season under head coach Derek Lalonde.

Hopes were high for the team to take a step forward this year, but they once again find themselves on the fringes of the NHL playoff race.

According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, the fate of their season, and potentially Lalonde's job, hinges on their current three-game homestand.

According to Dreger, if the performance is poor, perhaps coming away with one win, or none, there's a chance that Lalonde will be fired and a coach promoted internally to serve on an interim basis. But Detroit started the homestand with a 2-0 start.

"Their only three points out of a Wild Card spot and they've got a crucial three-game homestand happening this week. What happens if they go 1 for 3 or 0 for 3?

We know that Steve Yzerman is loyal to his coaches, but they have to remain competitive.

So if they have a good home stand everything should be fine. If they don't that might force Yzerman to make a decision and the sense is that they would go with an internal interim-candidate and then hope that a top coach eventually becomes available.

- Darren Dreger

The current staff also features assistants Bob Boughner, Alex Tanguay, and Jay Varady, any of whom could be in line for a temporary promotion if a change is made.

Meanwhile, with the possibility that Detroit will indeed decide to bring in a new head coach, ESPN insider Greg Wyshynski suggests the Red Wings may target NHL coaching legend Joel Quenneville.

"There also has been speculation that it might happen, and one rumor that made the rounds in NHL coaching circles this month was that Joel Quenneville might take over the Detroit bench.

"Two weeks ago, I heard Quenneville for Detroit," a coaching source said.

- Greg Wyshynski

Quenneville resigned from the Florida Panthers in 2021 amid the fallout of the Brad Aldrich scandal and has been out of the league since.

While he was effectively suspended from coaching by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, reports suggest Quenneville has made efforts to rehabilitate his image and many in the hockey world would be considered to give him a second chance.

Could Detroit be the team to give Quenneville his second chance? Only time will tell.

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NOVEMBRE 29   |   89 ANSWERS
Controversial Joel Quenneville Linked to Atlantic Team for Head Coaching Role

Will Joel Quenneville take over as Detroit's coach?

Yes6269.7 %
No2730.3 %
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