Latest update on Joel Quenneville’s possible NHL return

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman had to answer the question. As he attended Game 2 of the Florida Panthers against the Washington Capitals in Sunrise, the commissioner was asked if he was aware if Joel Quenneville was looking to make a return behind an NHL bench.

As you know, Quenneville resigned as Florida’s coach back in October when specifics of how the Chicago Blackhawks mishandled allegations that Kyle Beach was sexually abused by Brad Aldrich in 2010 during the Hawks’ run to the Stanley Cup that season. Quenneville was Chicago’s head coach when the abuse took place.

Bettman explained that if Quenneville is looking to return to coaching next season, he hasn’t told him. If ever Quenneville is looking to return and attempt to get a job in the NHL, he will need an approval from Bettman. So far, Quenneville hasn’t asked for such a meeting.

“There’s nothing currently happening with Joel,” Bettman said. “And if and when there’s a real conversation to be had, then I’ll focus on it at the time.”

Quenneville is the second-winningest coach in NHL history and is a three-time Stanley Cup champion behind the Blackhawks’ bench. But you have to believe that how he poorly handled the sex scandal in Chicago remains a huge issue if he looks to pursue a career in the NHL.