In 2014 he was drafted in the 1st round of New Jersey. He dreamed of an NHL career. But John Quenneville only played 46 NHL games. Could he have imagined playing in Switzerland as a 25-year-old a few years ago? “I didn’t even expect it this year,” replied the Canadian, flashing his large gap between his teeth. “It was a crazy summer.”
It was all haywire. The Seattle Kraken are to blame for this. The new NHL team could choose a player from each of the established clubs. However, hardly any stars, because they were allowed to be blocked.
Why Seattle chose Quenneville remains a mystery
It was a huge surprise that Seattle chose Quenneville near Chicago. For him too. After all, he didn’t play an NHL game last season and didn’t break the ropes in the AHL. What those responsible for the Kraken thought remains a mystery. They never offered Quenneville a contract. “I do not know why. In the hockey business you sometimes don’t understand what’s going on behind the scenes, ”he says.
“Q” didn’t like to ponder for long. When the ZSC Lions first offered him a trial contract, he packed his things. He didn’t even have time to have his damaged tooth repaired. And so the dark gap left by the two missing front teeth comes to light when he is cheering or upset.
“Every time he gets on the ice, he shouts with joy”
His girlfriend likes the gap in his teeth, he says. And it makes him look daring on the ice. Completely suitable for his role. Although he also has playful qualities, the Lions have hired the robust striker (1.86 m / 88 kg) as a crowbar. They had a gap in the physical realm. With Roe, Andrighetto, Azevedo or Malgin, they have technically strong but small stars. “I’m an offensive player, but energy, physique and speed are an important part of my game,” says Quenneville.
He is happy in Zurich. “Every time he gets on the ice, he shouts with joy,” says coach Rikard Grönborg. Did Quenneville even bury his NHL dream? Then not that. Everyone wants to play in the best league in the world.
PS. Meanwhile, Seattle has the NHL premiere behind it: 3: 4 in Las Vegas.