Anaheim Ducks Hire Joel Quenneville as Head Coach Following NHL Reinstatement

Joel Quenneville has been hired as the new head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, marking his return to the NHL after nearly four years away following a suspension related to the Kyle Beach sexual assault scandal involving the Chicago Blackhawks. Quenneville resigned from the Florida Panthers in 2021 amid criticism over his handling of the 2010 assault allegations, but the NHL reinstated him in 2024 after an independent investigation. The Ducks, who have not made the playoffs in seven years, hope Quenneville's extensive experience and three Stanley Cup championships will help rebuild their young roster featuring promising talents such as Troy Terry, Mason McTavish, and Leo Carlsson. Despite the controversy surrounding his past, the Ducks conducted their own review and believe Quenneville has learned from his mistakes. He is the second-winningest coach in NHL history and will look to bring success to a franchise eager to end its playoff drought. Quenneville’s return is viewed as a pivotal moment for the Ducks as they prepare for the 2025-26 season.