Jonathan Quick, the seasoned goaltender with nearly two decades of NHL experience, will remain with the New York Rangers as the team prepares for the March 6 trade deadline. After being traded twice during the 2022-23 season, Quick, who holds a no-trade clause covering 20 teams, is not seeking another move despite the Rangers’ ongoing roster changes.
The two-time Stanley Cup champion signed with the Rangers in 2023 as a free agent, aiming to back up Igor Shesterkin while bringing veteran presence to a team undergoing significant transition.
Quick Expresses Commitment to Rangers and Team Unity
Following a recent practice in Tarrytown, Quick made clear his intentions about staying put this season.
“I’m happy here. I want to be here. It means a lot to me to wear this jersey,”
he stated. The 40-year-old Connecticut native signed a one-year deal in free agency and has since extended his contract twice to continue his role as backup goalie.
Quick emphasized dedication to his contract and current role despite the uncertainties surrounding the team’s future.
“When I signed the contract, I planned on honoring the contract,”
he said.
“The focus is always where you’re at and what you’re doing currently. That’s where the focus has been and will continue to be.”
Season Performance and Team Challenges
Quick has seen increased playing time recently, especially as Shesterkin and defenseman Adam Fox have been sidelined with lower-body injuries since January 5. Despite his experience, Quick’s individual statistics reflect the Rangers’ struggles this season. He holds a 4-14-1 record with a 3.10 goals-against average over 20 appearances, placing him fourth on the NHL’s all-time wins leaderboard with 408.
The Rangers stand at 22-29-6, the worst record in the Eastern Conference, with only three wins in their last 18 games before the Olympic break. The trade of star forward Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings has further signaled the team’s rebuilding phase.
Quick acknowledged the emotional difficulty of the trade deals and team changes.
“It’s a result-based business, and you lose sight of it being in business at times, just because it turns into a family, right, with the guys you’re with every day,”
he said.
“You know their kids and wives and vice versa. It’s always difficult when, for any reason, that guys you’ve been with for a couple years move on. So it’s a reminder that it is a business, and I’m sure the guys will go to those new teams and make some great relationships and have some fun playing hockey. And our focus has to be fully on who’s here now, and what we could do as a group.”
International Hockey and Team USA’s Olympic Campaign
While the Rangers regroup, Team USA is enjoying success at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics under the leadership of first-year Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan. Team captain J.T. Miller and forward Vincent Trocheck are key contributors as the Americans prepare for a semifinal matchup against Slovakia.
Quick, a two-time U.S. Olympian who won silver in 2010, expressed admiration for the ongoing competition.
“I’d imagine both teams are very focused on their semifinal match,”
he said.
“Both teams have a tough matchup … and their full focus is on respecting their opponents in the semifinal match, and I’m looking forward to watching. It’s been really good hockey for the past two weeks there. It’s been fun to watch, so I’m sure it will be a couple great games [Friday].”
Reflecting on his Olympic experiences, Quick added,
“Obviously, it’s always an honor to represent your country. And you’re very fortunate to be a part of that a few times. Obviously you want to see the group that’s over there do as well as they can.”
Looking Ahead to Trade Deadline and Team Prospects
The Rangers are expected to continue making roster adjustments as the trade deadline approaches, focusing on rebuilding while managing a mix of veterans and younger talent. Jonathan Quick’s decision to stay with the team brings stability to the goalie position amid this period of transition. His veteran presence and experience will be vital for the Blueshirts moving forward, especially as the club navigates its challenges in the Eastern Conference standings.
As the trade deadline nears, the Rangers’ strategy will likely involve balancing future development with immediate competition, aiming to reshape their roster while maintaining focus on the current group’s performance in the season’s final stretch.
