Insider shares crucial update on the Leafs/Joel Quenneville situation

As the Leafs' coaching search gets underway, it's safe to assume that former Stanley Cup winner Joel Quenneville has been eliminated from consideration to be the Maple Leafs' new bench boss.

The former Blackhawks coach is still ineligible to coach in the NHL due to his involvement in the scandal involving former Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich and prospect Kyle Beach that rocked the league two years ago.

While several teams have reportedly reached out regarding his eligibility, the Leafs are not among them, according to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta.

With several quality coaches available, and possibly more hitting the market as the playoffs continue, it doesn't make sense to bring in a coach who clearly values his own interests over the safety of his players.

At this point, Quenneville hasn't done anything to convince the Leafs' front office that he deserves to coach in the NHL again. With names like Craig Berube, Todd McLellan, Gerard Gallant and possibly Rod «The Bod» Brind'amour floating around, there are plenty of quality options that don't come with the stigma of covering up one of the biggest scandals in NHL history.

Even if Quenneville were to be cleared, the massive media and fan spotlight in Toronto would immediately become a huge distraction, something this team has no need for heading into a new era, post Sheldon Keefe.