The fate of David Quinn (if it hasn’t been decided already) will be determined after today’s exit interviews. How big of a role will he play in them is uncertain. Under normal circumstances, the coach would take part in some with the players and that may still be the case, however no one is under more scrutiny today than Quinn.
From what I have heard, it is unlikely that he will be returning after the dismissals of John Davidson and Jeff Gorton. Had they remained, Quinn was coming back for another season. The consensus around the hockey world shares the same thought process.
Of course, depending on what the players say today and how Quinn feels about the plan for next season could save him.
Tony DeAngelo status unchanged
Tony DeAngelo, the mercurial defenseman was exiled by the Rangers just a few weeks into the season. After warning him to be on his best behavior, he and teammate Alexandar Georgiev were involved in a dust up after an OT loss to the Penguins. He was placed on waivers and has been skating on his own awaiting his fate.
I spoke with DeAngelo shortly after the dismissals of both John Davidson and Jeff Gorton on Wednesday. When I asked if he thought this was an opportunity to return he replied, “I am not sure.”
“I loved playing in NYR. Loved the organization, really loved the fans but I honestly have no clue if this will change anything,” he continued. “As long as I am part of the organization my phone would always be on.”
A few days after I spoke with the 25 year-old exiled blue-liner, Larry Brooks put an end to that possibility. “A reliable source reports that the change in administrations will have no effect on Tony DeAngelo’s status,” he wrote in the NY Post. The next expected steps for him will be exposure in the expansion draft followed by a 1/3 buyout of his contract.
Alexis Lafrenière and others heading home
Alexis Lafrenière essentially has not seen his parents since being drafted by the New York Rangers. Due to the travel restrictions between the U.S. and Canada during COVID, he’s been regulated to FaceTime calls. K’Andre Miller was in a similar, yet less restrictive situation. Both are not going to be playing in any international tournaments. A well deserved break.
Larry Brooks is also reporting that Adam Fox is declining an invitation as well. Artemi Panarin had already declined an offer from Russia a few weeks ago. It is unsure if any Rangers will be partaking in tournaments this summer.
