Jonathan Quick wants to play ‘at least one more year,’ deserves Rangers extension
At the start of the 2023-24 season, there were many questions surrounding the New York Rangers‘ decision to bring in Jonathan Quick to serve as their back-up goalie. After a lackluster preseason, those concerns grew. Since then, Quick has been remarkable, playing a big role for his favorite childhood team. So remarkable, in fact, that a contract extension should be on the table.
Forever Blueshirts learned Tuesday that Quick “would love to play at least another year,” according to his agent, and is willing to discuss an extension when the Rangers are ready.
As first reported by Mollie Walker of the NY Post, contract talks have yet to take place. However, Quick seems like a perfect fit if he wants to remain in New York and be the Blueshirts’ No. 2 goalie. Having moved his family across the country toward the end of his career, it is likely that he prefers to retire with the Rangers.
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Jonathan Quick’s play has exceeded expectations with Rangers
Many assumed this past summer that this would be a brief stop on the way to retirement for the 38-year-old. With Igor Shesterkin entrenched as the No. 1, Quick’s role would not be so integral, right?
Well, it hasn’t been so black and white this season. Shesterkin was hurt early on and has had his struggles, despite another All-Star Game appearance. His numbers have dropped off significantly, and Quick has been excellent, especially during a recent personal three-game winning streak.
This sparked former Rangers goalie and MSG Network analyst Steven Valiquette to go as far as to argue for Quick to be the No. 1.
“My vote is for Jonathan Quick as the starting goalie, until proven otherwise,” said Valiquette.
This came at a time in which Shesterkin struggled mightily. In a way, the Rangers listened to the advice of Valiquette. Quick was able to step in and win three consecutive starts against Ottawa, Colorado and Tampa Bay. This allowed Shesterkin to reset and really work on his game with goalie coach Benoit Allaire after the All-Star break. Early signs are showing that the move has paid off for the goaltending tandem.
Since returning from his reset, Shesterkin has played well. After picking up a win against the Blackhawks in Chicago, when he showed flashes of solid play, Shesterkin returned to Madison Square Garden and helped the Rangers defeat the Calgary Flame 2-0 Monday for his first shutout of the season. On top of that, the Rangers now find themselves on a five-game win streak due in large part to their goalies.
At this point, an extension for Quick certainly has merit. With all he has done already, there is no reason why Rangers general manager Chris Drury should feel the need to hold off. Quick has a 12-4-2 record this season and boasts a .919 save percentage, 2.27 goals-against average and two shutouts. It’s been a terrific season for him.
In addition to revitalizing his career under Allaire, Quick has also been a great presence inside the Rangers’ locker room.
“He’s been unbelievable,” mentioned Barclay Goodrow. “On the ice he’s been phenomenal, off the ice he’s been phenomenal. A great addition to our team. He’s brought a lot of leadership. A great guy, great teammate. I can’t say enough good words about him. Just to see what he’s been doing on the ice is special.”
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The value that Quick has brought both on and off the ice has without a doubt earned him the right to another year in Broadway blue, if not, two. In addition, Quick has earned a raise for his next contract compared to his current bargain salary cap hit of $825,000. He has proven that he has more solid hockey left in the tank. He is a great fit in New York, and should be offered an extension with an AAV of at least $1.5 million for one or two years.
“I think (Quick’s) playing career speaks for itself,” Peter Laviolette explained. “We’re fortunate that we have two really good goaltenders here.”
Two really good goaltenders who will both need to be on top of their game if the Rangers want a chance to win the Stanley Cup. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Quick has won three Stanley Cup championships, including two as the No. 1 goalie with the Los Angeles Kings (2012, 2014). That experience is invaluable to the team and for Shesterkin to turn to Quick for advice, when needed.
Not to mention, his level of play has been pretty darn good. Quick should certainly be rewarded for it and given an extension. Living out his childhood dream, there is nothing Quick would love more than to help bring a championship to New York.
After all, Quick has won a Stanley Cup with every team he’s ever played for. Coincidence?
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