Insider Report Connects the Detroit Red Wings to Polarizing Former Head Coach Joel Quenneville

PUBLICATION

Tyler Ball
November 28, 2024 (7:42 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

A new report has hinted that a coaching change could potentially be on the way for the Detroit Red Wings after a bad start to the season to bring in Joel Quenneville.

This season the Detroit Red Wings were part of a select group of teams that were expected to challenge for a playoff spot this season.

Along with the Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres, the Detroit Red Wings were supposed to take a step forward with their young core to get back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

To this point in the NHL season that expectation has not become reality and it has led to speculation that Steve Yzerman could make a coaching change.

A report from NHL insider Darren Dreger has confirmed that head coach Lalonde could be on the hot seat if the Red Wings do not turn things around quickly.

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.

While Darren Dreger believes an internal candidate would be the immediate option to replace Derek Lalonde in Detroit it seems that another report has indicated former Blackhawks and Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville is under consideration.

Report links the Detroit Red Wings to polarizing head coach Joel Quenneville

A new report from ESPN NHL insider Greg Wyshynski has revealed that the Detroit Red Wings had been poking around about the possibility of hiring Joel Quenneville if they decide to make a change.

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.

At the moment it remains speculation that the Detroit Red Wings are looking to make a move to Joel Quenneville.

Of course, Joe Quenneville would be a controversial hire if the Red Wings do decide to bring him into the organization.

He was part of the Chicago Blackhawks situation where a serious crime by a staff member was covered up for many years which ultimately led to a suspension for Joel Quenneville from the NHL.

Recently, he along with new Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman were allowed to seek reinstatement which has led to the increased interest in hiring both of them.

Regardless this is now multiple sources hearing rumblings about the Detroit Red Wings making a coaching change.

With two NHL teams already making a coaching switch all eyes are now on the Red Wings to see if they will be team number three to switch things up.