Report: Coach Quenneville’s next job already decided?

Could the former Blackhawks coach pull a Claude Julien and jump right back behind the bench?

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 5 years ago
Report: Coach Quenneville’s next job already decided?
Zuma Press

In case you missed it, the Chicago Blackhawks have fired longtime head coach Joel Quenneville, as well as assistant coaches Kevin Dineen and Ulf Sammuelsson today.


The Chicago Blackhawks have relieved Joel Quenneville of his coaching duties and have named Jeremy Colliton the 38th head coach in franchise history.


While predicted by many in the offseason, the firing of Quenneville came as a surprise to almost everyone today. Quenneville is due to make the rest of his $6 million salary for the duration of this season and for the 2019-20 season, so long as he does not sign a new NHL contract with another team. But, according to TSN’s Frank Seravalli, that’s a pretty big IF. 

After winning three Stanley Cups in ten years and posting a .627 winning percentage in Chicago, Quenneville will decide when and where he next decides to work. He’s second all time in NHL wins (890) behind only the legendary Scotty Bowman. Coach Q has earned his right to see how things play out, but still Seravalli thinks Quenneville may pull a “Claude Julien” and return to his former team: the St. Louis Blues.

Fans may recall that when Julien was fired from his position the the Boston Bruins that he was quickly snapped up by the Montreal Canadiens, his former team, in a quick bit of business by Habs GM Marc Bergevin. Could Blues GM Doug Armstrong do the same with Quenneville? There’s no denying that Blues head coach Mike Yeo is on the hot seat after the Blues’ poor start. Quenneville, who coached the Blues from 1996 until 2004 and led the team deep into the playoffs almost every season he was behind the bench in St. Louis. Could the Blues go “Back to the Future” and hire Coach Q? 

From Seravalli:

Could Quenneville return to where it all began in St. Louis? Will he head to the beach if the Kings open a more comprehensive coaching search? Or will Quenneville take time to pause and enjoy more time at the horse track?

Of course, Philadelphia Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol is also on the hot seat and could be on the outs, as well. Minnesota Wild head coach Bruce Boudreau and Edmonton Oilers head coach Todd McLellan are also under the microscope this season and you can bet that their GM’s are watching Quenneville’s next move closely.