Joel Quenneville joins elite 1,000-win club for NHL coaches

Anaheim Ducks coach becomes second in NHL history to reach the milestone

Feb. 26, 2026 at 11:27am

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Joel Quenneville became the second coach in NHL history to win 1,000 games when his Anaheim Ducks rallied to beat the Edmonton Oilers 6-5 on Wednesday night. Quenneville joined Scotty Bowman in this exclusive hockey club, reaching the mark in dramatic fashion as the Ducks erased multiple deficits to secure the milestone victory.

Why it matters

Quenneville's achievement is a testament to his longevity and success as an NHL head coach, having led his teams to the playoffs in 20 of the 22 seasons he finished behind the bench. His return to coaching this season has helped the Ducks surge into playoff contention after seven straight seasons without a postseason appearance.

The details

Quenneville, 67, has made a successful return to the NHL this season in Anaheim after a four-year absence from the league following his resignation from the Florida Panthers in late 2021 over his inaction during the Chicago Blackhawks' sexual abuse scandal 11 years earlier. The Ducks hired him in 2025 to take over a struggling franchise, and Anaheim (31-23-3) has vaulted into the thick of the Western Conference playoff race in its first season under Quenneville.

  • Quenneville coached his very first NHL game with the St. Louis Blues in February 1997, just one month before Scotty Bowman became the first coach to reach 1,000 wins.
  • Quenneville reached his 1,000th victory in his 1,825th game on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Joel Quenneville

A 67-year-old NHL head coach who has led his teams to the playoffs in 20 of the 22 seasons he finished behind the bench, including three Stanley Cup titles with the Chicago Blackhawks from 2008 to 2017.

Scotty Bowman

The first coach in NHL history to win 1,000 games, achieving the milestone with the Detroit Red Wings in February 1997. Bowman finished his career in 2002 with 1,244 victories in 2,141 regular-season games, also winning nine Stanley Cup titles as a coach.

Cutter Gauthier

The Anaheim Ducks player who scored the tiebreaking goal with 1:14 left in the game to secure Quenneville's 1,000th career win.

Pat Verbeek

The Anaheim Ducks' general manager who hired Quenneville in 2025 despite the potential public relations risk, a move that has paid off with the team's dramatic improvement this season.

Henry Samueli

The owner of the Anaheim Ducks who approved the decision to hire Quenneville as the team's head coach.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Anaheim Ducks will look to build on Quenneville's milestone win as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

Quenneville's achievement of 1,000 career wins is a remarkable feat that cements his legacy as one of the greatest NHL coaches of all time, joining the legendary Scotty Bowman in an elite club. His return to coaching this season has helped revitalize the Anaheim Ducks, who are now firmly in the playoff hunt after years of struggles.