New York Rangers replacing David Quinn is the next likely move
According to all the reporting coming out today, New York Rangers ownership had been contemplating a change for next season. Apparently unhappy with the team’s progress, James Dolan has opted to fire President John Davidson and General Manager Jeff Gorton. If this is based on performance, how soon before David Quinn is let go?
David Quinn is likely the next to go
Chris Drury has been named President and General Manager in the wake of the dismissals. Although the relationship between Drury and David Quinn seems solid dating back to the college coach’s hiring in 2018, he could be the next domino to fall.
The young head coach has done a solid job infusing the Rangers young prospects into the lineup and developing them. However, in his now three (albeit two were short) seasons his team has failed to make the playoffs. As of today, Quinn is 95-85-25 for his NHL career. A solid start but likely not good enough.
Here’s what I know for certain in speaking with team sources, the management group of JD and JG loved David Quinn. He had their full support, but that is gone now.
Again, if this all performance based it will be hard to replace your President and GM but not fire the coach. There will also be a number of highly qualified candidates available this offseason. Gerard Gallant comes to mind as does Claude Julien. Could there be a possible reunion with John Tortorella on the horizon? Chris Drury knows Torts well having played for him in New York from 2008 until his retirement in 2011 where he served as captain.
From what I can gather with limited info, this is likely going to happen soon or at the end of the season. It’s possible Kris Knoblauch will be given consideration, but another change is coming.
For more on today’s firings click here.
Mark Messier on ESPN
Mark Messier appeared on the Michael Kay radio show on ESPN today and had some interesting remarks. He was asked about possibly coaching to which he said “1000%”. Messier noted that he has not spoken to anyone around the team in years. When asked about the Tom Wilson incident he said he didn’t expand the Rangers to respond to the Panarin injury because that’s not how they are built.
“In my opinion, if you’re going to win, you got to be able to win in the street and the alley,” he said. “I particularly would not have built the team that didn’t have answers in this regard.” A scathing statement just 30 minutes after JD and Jeff Gorton were let go.
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