Rangers officially tab Quinn as coach
The courtship between the New York Rangers and David Quinn has led to the latter accepting the franchise's coaching job.
The Rangers officially announced Quinn's hiring on Wednesday. A press conference is expected to be held on Thursday.
The 51-year-old Quinn coached at Boston University for the past five seasons. He is the second college coach in three weeks to land an NHL coaching gig, as Denver University's Jim Montgomery made a similar move to become coach of the Dallas Stars.
"I am very pleased to welcome David Quinn to the New York Rangers," Rangers owner James Dolan said in a statement. "David brings a diverse and successful coaching resume that includes extensive work in developing young talent. I am confident he is an excellent fit for our team, and know he will work tirelessly with Glen, Jeff and our entire organization to execute our plan to build the next Rangers Stanley Cup contending team."
Quinn guided Boston University to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a spot in the 2015 national championship game. The Terriers lost that contest to Providence.
Overall, he was 105-68-21 at Boston University.
New York general manager Jeff Gorton said Quinn is the type of coach the franchise was hoping to land.
"In a coaching career that has spanned over two decades at the collegiate, pro, and international level, David has helped his teams achieve success while simultaneously teaching the game and helping his players develop on and off the ice," Gorton said in a statement. "He is the ideal choice to bring our loyal and passionate fans the winning hockey they deserve."
Quinn played college hockey at Boston University and was the 13th overall pick in the 1984 NHL Draft by the Minnesota North Stars. But his playing career ended when he contracted a blood disorder called Christmas Disease.
Quinn replaces the fired Alain Vigneault, who finished his five-year tenure with a 226-147-37 regular-season record and a 31-30 mark in the postseason. Vigneault took the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final in 2013-14 in his first season at the helm.
--Field Level Media
