The New York Rangers’ head coach needs to change his ways.
A few months ago, I wrote an article about whether or not David Quinn is actually a developmental coach. Now, that question isn’t as important, as the New York Rangers aren’t in the same position they were then. They’ve experienced “playoff hockey,” and were still gifted by the hockey gods–or the NHL, depending on if you believe in conspiracy theories–with the number one overall pick. Now David Quinn, who I have referred to as John Tortorella lite, needs to take a page from Tort’s book and adapt.
Usage
There have been many debates about Kaapo Kakko‘s season. Some believe he should have started the season in the AHL, while others (myself included) believe he should have been deployed as a top-six forward.
Well, there can’t be any debate about what’s coming: When the New York Rangers draft Alexis Lafreniere, he must be used as a top-six forward and play meaningful minutes in all situations from Day One. This really isn’t a debate. He’s been touted as a generational talent.
So, that means Quinn needs to stop with his reliance on veterans–especially ones that have undeserved trust (looking at you, Brendan Smith)–and needs to actually play the kids in meaningful situations.
Hybrid
John Tortorella is one of the greatest American-born hockey coaches ever. His record speaks for itself. The wonders he did this year alone with the Columbus Blue Jackets is extraordinary.
But, remember, he flamed out spectacularly with the Vancouver Canucks. His brash, north-south hockey approach had quickly worn out its welcome.
Thus, a gentler Torts was born. He went back to his developmental ways while still preaching a heavy form of hockey.
That’s exactly what David Quinn needs to embrace. The Rangers are not–as currently constructed–a north-south team. They are not a heavy team. Changes are coming, yes, but Quinn needs to understand that Artemi Panarin isn’t going to play that style. There was a point early in the past season where David Quinn continued to preach how his players needed to stop playing east-west hockey. (To me, that was a veiled criticism of Panarin, but he’s also smart enough to not call out his superstar, especially when said superstar is producing at a historic rate.) Neither is Pavel Buchnevich (if he’s even still a Ranger when this off-season ends).
There needs to be an understanding by Quinn–something that he’s clearly shown he’s lacking in when it comes to non-North American players–where you want your players to be tougher to play against, while also allowing their natural style of play to be encouraged. (Funnily enough, the traits Quinn claims to love are ones that a certain disgraced prospect named Lias Andersson were drafted for.)
If he doesn’t, David Quinn may not find himself behind the bench–or the Rangers will have wasted the number one, number two, and number seven overall picks.