How should the Rangers utilize Jonathan Quick?
By Marvin Azrak
Speaking to NHL.com following his decision to sign with the Rangers, Quick admitted he didn’t envision himself anywhere other than Los Angeles.
“Up until about five months ago, I thought I was going to be retiring a King,” Quick said. “Those were the discussions that were had.”
Although he rode the bench in the playoffs, he wasn’t your typical backup netminder. “Unbelievable,” Hill said when questioned about Quick following Vegas’s Stanley Cup-clinching victory at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on June 13. “I talked to him all the time. Quick has been an awesome guy. He’s among the best guys I’ve met in hockey.”
It is now Shesterkin’s turn to receive some love, but Quick believes it may not be necessary.
“Igor, he’s Igor, and he doesn’t need too much mentorship with as good as he is and what he’s already been able to accomplish in his young career,” Quick said.
“He’s a player.” he added. “Obviously, got to play against him a few times over the past five years. To see the work he puts in and his competitiveness day in and day out, it’s fun.”
He also doesn’t view his backup role as a different job. “My job is, when I’m called up, stop the puck. Obviously, prepare for those moments and understand the role that this job is and who I get to work with everyday. Just support the team, support Shesty. And when my number is called, try to win games and stop the puck.”
“If there are times when I can help him, I’m willing to and looking forward to that, and also whenever I’m in the net trying to help the team win hockey games.”
“I think it’ll be seamless,” Blueshirts President and General Manager Chris Drury told NHL.com about the relationship between Quick and Shesterkin.” He’s excited to be a Ranger. A Connecticut kid that wanted to come here, play here, and be a Ranger. He knows all about ‘Shesty’ and his accomplishments, and I think he’s ready to take on the mentor role, similar to what he did in Vegas. We’re excited to have him.”