Rangers Reportedly Agree Deal to sign UFA Goalie Jonathan Quick
ESPN insider and former Ranger netminder Kevin Weekes has reported in the last few minutes that unrestricted free agent netminder and three-time Stanley Cup Champion goalie Jonathan Quick is expected to sign with the New York Rangers have his contract with the Vegas Golden Knights expired. With free agency set to open tomorrow at midday Eastern, this is the goaltender we can expect to back up Igor next season.
Many fans will remember that one of Jonathan Quic’s three Stanley Cup rings came in 2014 as he was the backstop of that Los Angeles King team that won two cups in three years, and the goaltender has a habit of heating up at the right time for teams that want to go on deep runs. While nothing is confirmed yet, coming from someone like Kevin Weekes who is so accurate in his reporting is a telltale sign of the route Chris Drury wants to take this summer.
Jonathan Quick in recent years has not been the same goaltender that got white hot in the postseason a decade ago. His body has started to age and he’s become prone to injuries, unfortunately. The goaltender that could win the cup on his own it seemed has fallen from great heights to sign with the Blueshirts, and while it is always sad to see someone who was once considered one of the best at his job around the league fall, he’s a Ranger now.
https://twitter.com/KevinWeekes/status/1674854225577140228
That said, this is a goaltender who has struggled in recent years. In 41 games this season with the Los Angeles Kings and Vegas Golden Knights, Quick had just a .882 save percentage. It’s been a long road back to health and happiness for the 2011-12 Conn Smythe trophy winner. As a backup, there will be questions asked about the Milford, Connecticut native. If he is up to the standard remains to be seen.
Growing up as a Ranger fan, this will be a chance for Quick to represent his boyhood team and do something that not many people get to do in playing for the team they grew up loving. Quick and Shesterkin will be a tandem to watch. But Ranger fans should also be mindful of Dylan Garand who will likely see playing time with the extensive list of injuries Quick has dealt with over the past few seasons.