David Quinn’s fate with New York Rangers is expected to come down today
The exit interviews concluded yesterday, and the one thing that became crystal clear was a mandate to make the playoffs. Even though that message lit up the skies overhead, a large cloud of ambiguity was just off in the distance. Will David Quinn remain to lead the Rangers on their new mission?
Will David Quinn lead the playoff charge next season
The Rangers did not make head coach David Quinn available to the media. Take that as you will, because he could’ve been involved in the player exit meetings or had concluded his own with Chris Drury. The third year coach’s fate is now in the new President and GM’s hands.
What we did learn from the players that were made available was that Quinn as a teacher and groomer of young talent was a hit. “From day one they just harped on me being a complete player,” Team MVP Adam Fox said. “They knew I could defend. They helped me elevate my game.” The Blueshirts first overall pick, Alexis Lafrenière lauded his Quinn’s guidance and support this past season. “He helped me a lot,” the 19 year-old rookie explained.
Then the veterans came to the microphone and had similar praise but no real answers as to his future. “I really don’t know anything,” Ryan Strome replied when asked. However, the most important and telling person to speak on the Rangers’ bench boss was Mika Zibanejad. “I think over the last 3 years, in the beginning you’re trying to figure each other out,” he explained. “It’s been good, it’s been good with the whole coaching staff.” He also stressed this was a different kind of year with so much happening.
When asked if he would like to see Quinn back next season Mika dodged the question. Sometimes, it’s the answer the player doesn’t give that are the most telling. A non-response could be viewed as potential foreshadowing of what may come.
David Quinn’s fate could be decided as soon as today
The season has wrapped up for the New York Rangers and many other teams. The extra games being played are mostly in Canada and out West due to COVID pauses in season. That being said, two coaches have already become available in John Tortorella and Rick Tocchet. You can be right as rain that teams like the Sabres and Kraken have already started to reach out to potential candidates.
Chris Drury should not waste any time and make it known early that the team will be going in a different direction. That decision could come as soon as today I am told.
As to who the Rangers would get to replace Quinn, don’t expect another young or inexperienced coach. Don’t expect an up and comer either. That rules out Rick Tocchet who hasn’t won anywhere he’s been in his short career. Expect a proven winner with an NHL track record and likely a Stanley Cup on their resume.
There’s plenty of names available and the list is growing. John Tortorella seems to have the inside track. Claude Julien is a name I hear more and more. Bruce Boudreau is being bandied about as well. If David Quinn is let go today, this is Drury’s starting point of candidates to interview.
This offseason will be busy on a number of fronts. Major roster decisions need to be made, and the man behind the bench you want to make the playoffs needs input too.
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