Jonathan Quick’s Stability with the Rangers
Jonathan Quick, the veteran goalie in his 19th NHL season, was traded multiple times during the 2022-23 season. However, he isn’t looking for another move as the Rangers prepare for the March 6 trade deadline.
As a pending unrestricted free agent with a no-trade clause for 20 teams, Quick’s future seems secure for now. Still, there’s speculation—what if a playoff contender seeks his experience as a backup?
“I’m happy here. I want to be here,” Quick expressed after practice in Tarrytown. “Wearing this jersey means a lot to me.” It’s clear he has a strong attachment to the team.
The 40-year-old goalie, a native of Connecticut, joined the Rangers on a one-year contract as a free agent in the summer of 2023. He had previously been traded from Los Angeles to Columbus and then to Las Vegas within two days.
Since then, he has signed two one-year contracts, including the current $1.55 million deal, serving as a backup to Igor Shesterkin.
“When I signed the contract, I intended to honor it,” Quick noted earlier in the week. “The focus is on where you are and what you are doing now.” He emphasized the importance of staying present.
In fact, Quick was more frequently starting games before the Olympic break, particularly after Shesterkin and defenseman Adam Fox were injured during the same match against Mammoth on January 5.
Ranking fourth in league history with 408 wins, Quick holds a record this season of 4-14-1 with an average of 3.10 goals against in 20 games (19 of which he started). Unfortunately, the Rangers currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a record of 22-29-6, heading into their game against the Flyers.
The struggles have been notable, too—just three wins in the last 18 games (3-13-2), plus the departure of their leading scorer, Artemi Panarin, to the Kings.
“This is a results-based business,” Quick stated, reflecting on the emotional challenges of team changes. “Sometimes you lose sight of the business side of things because you become close to the people around you.” It’s easy to forget that when you know each other’s families.
Meanwhile, Team USA is finding success under the guidance of new Rangers coach Mike Sullivan, with players like captain JT Miller and forward Vincent Trocheck competing in the Milan-Cortina tournament.
USA is set to battle Slovakia in the semifinals, eyeing a potential gold medal matchup against Canada, assuming Canada defeats Finland first. Quick, who represented his country in the Olympics in 2010 and 2014, shared his anticipation. “It’s a tough matchup for both teams… I’m looking forward to watching it. There’s been some really good hockey lately; it’s been exciting.” He added that it’s a true honor to represent the country and wishes the team great success.
