Jonathan Quick is destined to retire as one of, if not the best, American-born goaltender in NHL history. Drafted 72nd overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2005, Quick spent 16 seasons guarding the Kings’ net, boasting 370 wins and a stellar 2.46 goals-against average. He lifted the Stanley Cup twice (2012, 2014), earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2012, and was a Vezina Trophy finalist twice.
Quick’s LA tenure wasn’t without its bumps, particularly in the latter stages. With playoff aspirations fading, a trade to Columbus in March 2023 felt like a bittersweet end. Quick, understandably shocked and aiming to finish his career in L.A., refused the move. Luckily, Vegas, then plagued by goaltending woes, came calling. The next day, Quick donned the Golden Knights’ colors, ready for a new chapter. The picture below was posted by the Columbus Blue-Jackets social media account after the trade fell through with them.
Despite a backup role, Quick proved his veteran mettle. His 5-2-2 record, 3.13 GAA, and 90.1% save percentage bolstered Vegas’s late-season push, culminating in a thrilling 2023 Stanley Cup victory – Quick’s third Stanley Cup championship.
(Photo below: John Locher / Associated Press)
Free agency brought him to the New York Rangers, a homecoming for the Connecticut native. “Growing up a Rangers fan,” Quick beamed, “this was a chance I couldn’t miss.” And miss, he hasn’t. As of today, he boasts the league’s fourth-best GAA (2.09), third-best save percentage (.926), and a perfect 9-0 record in ten games. With Igor Shesterkin struggling, Quick has not only stabilized the Rangers’ net but also kept the team atop the Metro Division.
While an official Rangers Quick card remains elusive, fans eagerly await his addition to Upper Deck’s roster. Until then, one thing’s certain: Jonathan Quick’s legendary journey continues, captivating New York with every clutch save.
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