In a flurry of signings on the first day of free agency, the NHL announced Monday that three players — Joel Quenneville, Stan Bowman and Al McIsaac — are returning to the NHL.
The former Blackhawks executive and NHL coach was banned from the NHL for her handling of allegations of sexual assault by former Blackhawks player Kyle Veach against team video coach Brad Aldrich after the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 2010.
The three were out of the league after 2022 but are now “immediately” eligible for employment and could be hired by a team as early as July 10.
“While it is clear their responses at the time were unacceptable, each of these three individuals (Bowman, McIsaac and Quenneville) has acknowledged this and has used their time away from the game to not only demonstrate sincere reflection about what happened, but also to engage in activities to deepen awareness of the responsibilities held by all NHL employees, particularly those in leadership positions,” the NHL said in a statement.
“In addition, each player made significant strides in their personal development through their participation in a number of programs, many of which focused on the need to respond to allegations of abusive behavior in an effective and meaningful manner. The league expects them to continue this work in the future, either with the NHL or with our clubs.”
Quenneville served as the Panthers’ head coach until resigning in October 2021 after details of the Blackhawks’ inappropriate handling of sexual assault allegations emerged.
Quenneville was coach of the Blackhawks at the time the abuse allegations emerged.
Bowman stepped down as the Blackhawks’ general manager in October 2021, with Al MacIsaac taking over as the team’s senior vice president of hockey operations.
Ann An independent investigation into the matter An investigation by law firm Jenner & Block found that Blackhawks management met and decided not to address the incident until after the postseason, ultimately giving Aldrich the choice to resign or be fired.
Quenneville claimed he was unaware of the allegations, but the report shows he was present at a meeting where management decided to wait to respond to the allegations.
In an interview with TSN, Beach said he “absolutely cannot deny that (Quenneville) knows about the incident.”
It may not take long for the former Blackhawks executive to find work.
According to Daily FaceoffBowman is the leading candidate for the Oilers’ vacant general manager position.
