As the NHL roster freeze ended Monday, the New York Rangers are positioning themselves as sellers ahead of the March 6 trade deadline. General manager Chris Drury has already begun roster changes, including trading defenseman Carson Soucy to the New York Islanders and sending All-Star winger Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings. With a 22-29-6 record, the Rangers sit last in the Eastern Conference and trail the Boston Bruins by 19 points for the second wild card spot, making additional moves likely.
Jonathan Quick Confirms Desire to Stay with the Rangers
Despite the ongoing roster overhaul, veteran goaltender Jonathan Quick has firmly stated he does not want to be traded. After practice on Thursday, Quick told the New York Post,
“I’m happy here. I want to be here,”
and added,
“It means a lot to me to wear this jersey.”
The 40-year-old, who is a pending unrestricted free agent, holds a no-trade clause that covers 20 teams. He reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his current contract earlier this week.
Quick said,
“When I signed the contract, I planned on honoring the contract,”
and continued,
“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.”
Veteran Goalie’s Background and Performance with the Rangers
Quick joined the Rangers in the summer of 2023 and later signed consecutive one-year deals, including a $1.55 million contract extension on March 12 for the 2025-26 season. With two Stanley Cup championships and 408 career wins, placing him 12th all-time among NHL goaltenders and second among active players, Quick brings substantial experience. During his first two seasons with New York, he posted a .903 save percentage with five shutouts in 46 starts while serving as the backup to Igor Shesterkin.
Increased Workload Amid Shesterkin’s Injury Challenges
The current season has been difficult for Quick, as Shesterkin has been sidelined since January 5 due to a lower-body injury sustained in the same game that also sidelined Adam Fox. Quick has taken on a heavier workload, appearing in 20 games with 19 starts and recording a 4-14-1 record, a 3.10 goals-against average, and a .890 save percentage. The Rangers managed only three wins in their final 18 games before the Olympic break, with a 3-13-2 record.
Contractual Factors and Potential Trade Considerations
Quick’s manageable $1.55 million cap hit makes him an attractive option for contenders seeking experienced depth, but his contractual no-trade clause complicates potential transactions. In addition to Quick, players such as Vincent Trocheck, Braden Schneider, Alexis Lafreniere, and Sam Carrick are reportedly drawing interest from other teams.
Outlook as Trade Deadline Approaches and Shesterkin’s Return
With Shesterkin returning to full practice and gearing up for a comeback, Quick is expected to resume his role as the backup goaltender soon. It remains uncertain whether Chris Drury will prioritize maintaining Quick in the roster out of respect for the goalie’s wishes or if asset management will take precedence as the trade deadline nears. The decisions made in the coming weeks could significantly shape the Rangers’ performance for the rest of the season.
