It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re at the start of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, there is plenty to talk about with the teams that have missed the post-season or already been eliminated. The Pittsburgh Penguins missed the playoffs for the first time in recent memory. There have already been some front office changes like the firing of Ron Hextall. However, this may lead to a Stan Bowman return to the league.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Stan Bowman Return Possible
Rumour: Andy Strickland of Bally Sports Midwest said there may be mutual interest between Bowman and the Penguins this off-season. Bowman was an architect of the Chicago Blackhawks great run through the 2010s. There’s also the connection between the Bowman family and the Penguins organization. Scotty Bowman won a Stanley Cup championship with the Penguins in the 1991-92 season. Stan would likely be hired as a Hockey Operations Executive.
However, there is plenty of baggage if a Stan Bowman return does happen. Bowman is still technically suspended by the league for his mishandling of Kyle Beach situation. He and former head coach Joel Quenneville are both suspended by the league for their part in what happened. They would have to be cleared by Commissioner Gary Bettman before they can take another position with a team.
Impact of Stan Bowman
Bowman does have a hockey pedigree, but all of that may not be worth the trouble. Him and Quenneville both played a hand in something bad that happened in a young man’s life. The league should try to do a better job of riding itself of toxic hockey culture.
Letting Bowman and/or Quenneville would send mixed signals on cleaning up the sport. Bowman was a strong executive that helped the Blackhawks win titles. However, Pittsburgh might be better suited to look at another option.
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