Controversial candidate emerges to become the next Detroit Red Wings head coach
A controversial candidate emerged to become the next Detroit Red Wings head coach.
Despite signing all their young core players to long-term contracts in the summer, the Detroit Red Wings aren't able to maintain a sustainable rhythm, currently at the Atlantic Division's 6th rank.
However, with most teams in their division also struggling, the Red Wings are only three points out of a Wild Card spot.
The Red Wings will have two home games over the weekend, and if they don't win one, Steve Yzerman, the team's General Manager, could decide to part ways with head coach Derek Lalonde, according to Darren Dreger:
"They're 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 homestand 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."
We know that Steve Yzerman is loyal to his coaches, but they have to remain competitive. So if they have a good homestand 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."
The Red Wings already won the first of the three games Dreger mentioned, with that goal in overtime against the Calgary Flames:
Top coaches don't come around often in this league, but a controversial candidate could still be available: Joel Quenneville.
Quenneville resigned as the Panthers head coach in 2021 for his involvement in the Kyle Beach scandal. With Stan Bowman finding a job as the Edmonton Oilers GM, could a return for Quenneville be happening soon?
According to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, Quenneville could be asked to take over the Red Wings' bench:
"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."
It'll be interesting to see what happens in Detroit over the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the team is set to be back on the ice today for an afternoon game against the New Jersey Devils.
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