Both individuals have been banned from the NHL since the details emerged of the Blackhawks 2010 cover up of a sexual assault. However, the league left the door open to them potentially returning, but they would have to clear it with Gary Bettman himself in order for that to happen. During his speech yesterday, Bettman confirmed that both Quenneville and Bowman remain ineligible to be signed by NHL teams.
Bettman also revealed that both men have already reached out to Bettman seeking reinstatement. It is not clear whether he has already had discussions with them about it though. Based on his phrasing, it seems like he is actively considering or plans to consider reenlistment for both men in the near future.
For now, the Leafs will have to happy with Craig Berube. It sounds like Quenneville might get another chance at some point, but it is hard to say when that might come, and the Leafs can't just wait around hoping for that to happen. Hopefully Berube will be the right voice the Leafs need as they look to go on a deep playoff run for the first time in the core-four era.
