How did the New York Rangers change David Quinn’s mind?
The New York Rangers apparently wouldn’t take no for an answer from David Quinn.
Since firing Alain Vigneault right after the season finale, the New York Rangers were the last NHL team without a head coach. But that search is now at an end, according to multiple reports, as Boston University coach David Quinn is set to become the Rangers next head coach.
Noting is official yet, but the Rangers have reportedly told Quinn he’s their choice and he has reportedly told BU he’s leaving. Over five seasons as Terriers’ coach, Quinn had a 105-68-21 record, highlighted by a runner-up finish in the NCAA Tournament in 2015. He is a BU alum, and never played in the NHL despite being drafted 13th overall in the 1984 draft by the Minnesota North Stars. He spent one season (2012-13) as an assistant coach with the Colorado Avalanche before taking the job at his alma mater.
Early this month, Quinn reportedly withdrew his name from consideration for the Rangers’ job after being a top candidate from the start. But they apparently never crossed him off their list, and eventually got their guy. So what changed?
I would expect David Quinn’s contract with the @NYRangers to be in the neighborhood of 5 years and 12 million. This must be an excruciating decision for him. Boston University/#CawlidgeHawkey is a great job/lifestyle. pic.twitter.com/4EGUHyeFe3
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) May 19, 2018
If your just logging on...Boston University Head Hockey Coach David Quinn has informed his athletic director, Drew Marrochello , he is taking the @NYRangers head-coaching position. Source says 5 years, 12 million. pic.twitter.com/rCJ5vafqCL
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) May 19, 2018
ESPN’s John Buccigross reported Quinn’s deal with the Rangers is expected to be in the neighborhood of five years and $12.5 million. But ESPN Senior NHL Writer Greg Wyshynski put the brakes on things Saturday, suggesting the deal was not yet official.
Source told me that the rumored five-year, $12 million deal for David Quinn isn't finalized. Could be a formality, as Rangers GM Jeff Gorton returns from Denmark. But a reminder that this isn't a concrete thing quite yet. Expected, but not concrete. #NHL https://t.co/T4HhnHuviv
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) May 19, 2018
Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton is in Denmark at the World Championships, so once he returns Quinn’s hiring should become official quickly.
The Rangers publicly announced themselves as a trade deadline seller in February, in what seemed to be a step toward a rebuild. They have three first-round picks in next month’s draft, their own at No. 9 overall and two later first-rounders picks acquired from Boston and Tampa Bay.
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One of Quinn’s now-former players, left winger Brady Tkachuk, is expected to be off the board by the time the Rangers first pick comes. But a trade up to get Tkachuk, with the extra draft pick capital to pull it off, would not be surprising now that Quinn will be behind the bench. Getting an up-close perspective on one of the top prospects in this year’s draft is nice, but the Rangers clearly upped to the ante financially to convince Quinn to change jobs.