New York Rangers announced on Wednesday that they have hired Boston University’s David Quinn as their next coach. Quinn will be officially presented at the introductory news conference on Thursday. He will replace Alain Vigneault, who was fired following the end of 2017-18 regular season after he failed to reach the playoffs.
OFFICIAL: #NYR have named David Quinn as the 35th Head Coach in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/nE91lDUGwl
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 23, 2018
“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,” – general manager Jeff Gorton said. “He is the ideal choice to bring our loyal and passionate fans the winning hockey they deserve.“
This will mark a return to the franchise for David Quinn, who played for Rangers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Binghamton Rangers, during his professional playing career. After retiring as a player, Quinn entered coaching and has served as an assistant for several teams including Team USA on multiple occasions. He joined Boston University in 2013 and has lead the team to a national title in 2015, and three further NCAA tournament appearances.
“David brings a diverse and successful coaching résumé that includes extensive work in developing young talent,” – said Rangers owner James Dolan. “I am confident he is an excellent fit for our team, and know he will work tirelessly with [team president Glen Sather], Jeff and our entire organization to execute our plan to build the next Rangers Stanley Cup-contending team.“
New York Rangers are just the third NHL team to hire a coach straight out of college in more than 30 years. Dallas Stars hired University of Denver’s Jim Montgomery in early May while Philadelphia Flyers hired Dave Hakstol from North Dakota in 2015.