New York Rangers’ “focus” is on David Quinn of Boston University
The New York Rangers may be focusing in on bringing in Boston University’s head coach to take over for Alain Vigneault.
With just over a month remaining until the NHL Entry Draft, the New York Rangers still have a head coaching vacancy to fill. According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the only team without a head coach in the NHL may be inching closer to finding their man:
The Rangers aren’t bidding against any other team for a head coach so they can take their time, but it is probably best that they find one sooner rather than later. There is a rumor that the Rangers are waiting until both the NHL playoffs and AHL playoffs are over so they can interview Sheldon Keefe of the AHL’s Toronto Marlies and Washington Capitals’ associate coach Todd Reirden for the job.
James Mirtle of The Athletic had more to add on the subject:
My understanding at this point is it won't be Sheldon Keefe, who was debated internally by NYR. Barring further NHL openings, he is under contract and probably staying with Marlies. https://t.co/kDGv6Tu8pV
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) May 18, 2018
So it does sound like the Rangers have given this a lot of thought, which is good to hear. Keefe sounded like a guy who would be perfect for what the Rangers want to accomplish.
But it looks like Quinn is their top choice if he wants to leave BU.
Analysis
I’m not going to pretend that I know everything about Quinn at this moment. I just know what I’ve been told by others who follow NCAA hockey closer than I do. Our very own Dan Carrozzi wrote a piece about Quinn a few weeks ago that you should check out.
From what I’m hearing, it sounds like some people are very underwhelmed by what Quinn’s teams have done to this point in his BU tenure. They have cited that he is an excellent recruiter but hasn’t gotten the most out of his teams based on their potential.
I don’t know how fair that is because you’re going to have consistency issues with 18-20 year-old kids. Like I said, these people know far more about NCAA hockey than me so I will differ to them, but take it with a grain of salt.
Next: Five unrestricted free agents the Rangers should target
We’ll have more updates as they come until the Rangers do actually name a head coach. Until then, make sure you read up about Quinn because it looks like there is a strong chance that he could be on Broadway this fall.