A month after firing Assistant Coach Todd Reirden, the Pittsburgh Penguins found their replacement in David Quinn. However, unlike Reirden, Quinn will only be tasked with coaching the defence and not the power play unit as well.
David Quinn Joins the Pittsburgh Penguins as a New Assistant Coach
It is still unknown who will coach the Penguins power play, which was third worst in the league this past season. Their power play percentage was an abysmal 15.3%. For a roster that includes the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust, Kris Letang, and Jake Guentzel for 50 games, they have no excuses for having that poor of a power play.
Quinn first got into coaching at the NHL level in the 2018-19 season where he coached the New York Rangers for three seasons. His record with the Rangers was 96-87-25. After being fired more than halfway through the 2020-2021 season, he was named head coach of the San Jose Sharks. In his two seasons with the Sharks, he finished with a total record of 41-98-25.
Teammates Reunited
After an unsuccessful start to his coaching tenure, Quinn has a fresh start as an assistant coach joining a familiar face. Penguins Head Coach Mike Sullivan and Quinn were teammates at Boston University and now get to be coaching together. Sullivan and the Penguins hosted the Sharks in January of 2023, where Sullivan spoke highly of his former teammate and friend.
“(Quinn) is a real hard-working hockey guy,” a beaming Sullivan said. “He’s come up through the ranks the hard way. He’s honed his craft at so many different levels. Quinn has learned through every experience that he’s gone through. He brings a certain humility to his job every day that makes him the coach that he is.”
Sullivan also mentioned that Quinn has a combination of personal skills including his ability to connect and communicate with players that is a strength. As well as an understanding of the tactical aspect of hockey. Also mentioning, he is a student of the game and he is a hard worker. Sullivan is right when he mentioned Quinn’s ability to communicate with players. Projected first-round pick Macklin Celebrini was disappointed he is no longer playing for his former BU Terrier David Quinn due to Quinn coaching the Penguins. Before making the jump to the NHL, Quinn previously coached future NHL stars including Charlie McAvoy, Jack Eichel, Brady Tkachuk, Clayton Keller, and others.
In addition to Sullivan, Quinn also reunites with Karlsson as the two were together two seasons ago. Karlsson and Quinn certainly had a fantastic relationship together. As a matter of fact, Karlsson had the best offensive season for a defenceman in the last 30 years. Specifically, Karlsson logged 101 points under the coaching of Quinn. Quinn will have the the opportunity to reunite with Karlsson and coach up the Penguins defence. Penguins fans should be ecstatic with the addition of Quinn.
General Manager Thoughts
General Manager Kyle Dubas was very fond of Quinn and what he can bring to the table.
“David Quinn brings a wealth of coaching and developmental experience across the highest levels of professional and international hockey,” said Dubas. “Quinn has a long track record of helping elite defencemen reach their full potential, and we look forward to the impact he can make on our defensive group and our entire program. Coach Quinn’s experience, character, energy, and enthusiasm make him a great fit for Coach Sullivan’s coaching staff.”
If Quinn can fix the Penguins defensive issues from last season the Penguins could be back in the playoffs. They could even go on a deep run especially if Karlsson can have another elite season offensively.
Main photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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