Former Stanley Cup-winning coach rumoured to replace Lalonde as coach of the Detroit Red Wings

PUBLICATION

Jack Sutherland
November 25, 2024 (6:40 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

A respected hockey insider has linked the Detroit Red Wings to a controversial former Stanley Cup-winning coach with a massive link to a top forward on their roster.

Detroit Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde has been facing intensifying scrutiny in his third season on the job, with many speculating that he could be coaching for his job amid this difficult stretch of losing.

One notable coach is already off the market, as the St. Louis Blues acted quickly to scoop up Jim Montgomery after he was surprisingly let go from the Bruins.

But one former head coach still awaiting another opportunity in the NHL is available, and according to one noted NHL insider, it wouldn't be outlandish to see him land in the Motor City if Lalonde was let go.

Joel Quenneville, whom Red Wings fans are well acquainted with from his days with the division foes St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks, was rumored to be on Detroit's radar by ESPN's Greg Wyshynski.

There has also 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.

Not only did Quenneville consistently lead the Blues to postseason appearances, but also helped put the Blackhawks over the top with three Stanley Cup wins (2010, 2013, 2015) with several additional trips to the Western Conference Finals.

He has a career coaching record of 969-572-77.

But his reputation was heavily tarnished after the ugly reports that surfaced in 2021 that he had allegedly not adequately handled the sexual assault of forward Kyle Beach by then-video coach Brad Aldrich during the 2010 playoff run.

Quenneville was also reported to have written a letter of recommendation for Aldrich, who was later convicted of criminal sexual conduct with a minor in Michigan.

After Beach, formerly known as John Doe in the case, revealed his identity in October 2021, Quenneville soon resigned from his position as coach of the Florida Panthers, while Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman also stepped down.

On July 1, the NHL officially reinstated Quenneville and Bowman, the latter of whom is now the GM of the Edmonton Oilers.

While Quenneville would certainly bring a wealth of experience to the Red Wings, his baggage may be something that Yzerman decides would be too much to overcome.