Reflecting on David Quinn’s time in New York as he returns to MSG
By Marvin Azrak
The reality was that David Quinn’s days were numbered the moment he was appointed as the 35th. head coach of the New York Rangers in the Summer of 2018. Replacing Alain Vigneault, David wasn’t brought here to be the next Mike Keenan and lead this franchise to its first Stanley Cup since 1994.
However, what he did to help foster the foundation for what we now view as a cup-contending team shouldn’t be forgotten. Since his dismissal, Quinn oversaw the USA hockey Olympic team in Japan last February and became head coach of the San Jose Sharks this Summer, who visit Madison Square Garden for a meeting with the Rangers on Thursday.
It’s expected the coach, who will be opposite current New York bench boss Gerard Gallant will receive a video tribute akin to the ones Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano received on Monday night in the Rangers’ 6-4 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Quinn returning to Broadway for the first time since the 2020-21 season ended will create an opportunity for himself, his former players, and fans to reflect on all that transpired and the seeds planted in his time here.