The futures of Stan Bowman and Joel Quenneville have now been confirmed

As the NHL gears up for the 2025–26 season, the topic of reinstating former Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville and GM Stan Bowman has resurfaced amid ongoing discussions of team rebuilds and management overhauls.

Despite the burgeoning demand for experienced leadership, both figures remain sidelined due to a past scandal that rocked the league.

During a recent press interaction before Game 1 of the Edmonton Oilers vs. Florida Panthers series, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman made clear the current status of Quenneville and Bowman.

Further emphasizing the gravity of their past actions, Bettman shared insights into their attempts to re-enter the league:

Both Quenneville and Bowman have made public apologies and issued statements in hopes of mending their images and possibly securing a return to the NHL. However, the question remains: Are apologies sufficient for a comeback, especially considering Quenneville's potential third chance?

This scenario places Bettman in a crucial position as he weighs the implications of their potential reinstatement against the league's integrity and public image.

As the off-season unfolds, the NHL community and its fans are keenly watching Bettman's next moves. His decisions could set significant precedents for how the league handles controversies and rehabilitates its figures.

Meanwhile, teams in need of new direction hang in the balance, awaiting clear signals on whether these experienced sports executives will once again be part of the NHL landscape.