Ex Blackhawks coach wants to guide the team again

Former Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said he'd like to coach again in the NHL but isn't in a rush to do so. Quenneville gave his first interview Sunday since he was fired in November after 10-plus seasons behind the Chicago bench. He was dismissed after the Hawks' 6-6-3 start and said his firing didn't shock him.

"I think in our business there's not too many surprises anymore," said Quenneville, 60, speaking to WGN-TV's Dan Roan. "It's part of the business, I understand all that. I know when I exited other places, the bitterness and the animosity was at a different level. And here the memories are so special and so good, and the people here are so special to me and our family that it was tough. ...

"I never (had the chance to) thank the fans since I left, but I've got nothing but appreciation and (I) admire all they've done and supported our team and our experience here in Chicago." The Blackhawks won three Stanley Cups during Quenneville's tenure that began in 2008 and missed the playoffs just once. He left with a record of 452-249-96 in 797 games. Quenneville's 76-52 record in the playoffs is the best postseason mark in team history.

He also coached a combined 11 seasons in Colorado and St. Louis and has an overall career record of 890-532-77-137. Quenneville said that when the season is over and coaching vacancies crop up, he'll think about getting back behind the bench.

"We're in no hurry right now," he said. "We'll see how things transpire in the offseason."