The National Hockey League (NHL) announced today that they’ve reinstated Stan Bowman, Joel Quenneville, and Al MacIsaac effective immediately.
The NHL noted that the three individuals have been ineligible to work for any NHL team for the last two and a half years. This ban was the result of their insufficient response after being informed in 2010 of allegations that Chicago Blackhawks player, Kyle Beach, had been assaulted by the team’s video coach. These three individuals, Bowman, Quenneville, and MacIsaac, were all suspended indefinitely pending reinstatement.
The NHL noted that their responses were unacceptable at the time and that each of the three individuals had acknowledged and used the time away to demonstrate remorse for what happened. Furthermore, the league states with a heavy emphasis that all NHL personnel, especially those in important leadership positions, are to be aware of the responsibilities and conduct that must be followed by everyone involved within the league.
Over the past two and a half years, the NHL has conducted meetings with each of the three individuals and has seen personal improvement and growth. There will be heavier expectations placed on everyone to respond in effective and meaningful ways to address the alleged acts of abuse.
Fans have made their voices heard in this situation, even going as far as yelling out many different things in person and responding to posts on X, formerly Twitter, referencing this specific situation. This is expected to continue should any of the three individuals land another job within the National Hockey League.
As Frank Seravalli noted post-announcement, Stan Bowman will become a top candidate for the Edmonton Oilers general manager vacancy. Seravalli also noted that there was a belief that Bowman was on the Oilers’ radar when Jeff Jackson was hired last summer, even though he was still ineligible at that time.
E.J. Hradek expects Bowman to land in Edmonton and Mark Hunter to have a significant role there too. Time will tell if the Oilers choose to go down this route or not.
Aaron Portzline noted himself that Joel Quenneville, although reinstated today and eligible for an NHL head coaching job as of July 10th, will not be a candidate in the Columbus Blue Jackets search for a new head coach. Portzline also noted that Columbus has the only head coaching vacancy in the league as of right now.
Stan Bowman, Al MacIsaac, and Joel Quenneville are free to discuss potential employment opportunities with immediate effect. They are not able to enter into any employment agreements until Wednesday, July 10th.
