NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman decides fate of Joel Quenneville and Stan Bowman

With hockey still being played in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, several teams have already made decision on coaches and executives for the 2024-25 season. There are still a few looking for replacements in each category, which bring an update on the status of two who have been suspended.

Both coach Joel Quenneville and GM Stan Bowman resigned from their positions after the Kyle Beach assault investigation was concluded. Quenneville and Bowman were with the Blackhawks at the time, although Quenneville had since moved on and was coaching the Florida Panthers. At the time, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said both would have to speak to him personally to have their eligibility to work in the league restored. Bettman updated reporters on that recently and said Quenneville and Bowman won't be back any time soon.

There's little question Quenneville would be employed with days or even hours should he be reinstated. He is considered a championship NHL coach who knows how the get the best out of his players. Bettman did say that both Quenneville and Bowman have reached out about being allowed back in the league.

Quenneville resigned from the Panthers in 2021, saying the Blackhawks let Kyle Beach down, and that "I own my share of that."