Mar 27, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Jack Quinn (22) waits for the face-off during the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
A Tale of Two Seasons
Total Season Stats: 15 G, 24 A, 39 pts -18 in 74 games
Age: 23
Contract Status: Expiring 3 year entry level deal, $863,334 Cap Hit, current RFA
The good news? The Sabres are in line to sign a potential 60 point player this season to a team friendly bridge deal. How does that happen? Well, an injury filled 2nd year for Quinn and an epic, disappointing first half of the year in 2024-25. That’s how. He finished pretty strong from January to April though, no doubt. But a year and a half of injury and LOW production should keep Jack’s contract affordable for now.
But Quinn’s struggles and setbacks also makes him potential trade bait. He is clearly one of the top forwards on the roster to be moved, should a trade go down. If the Sabres want to get more experienced, more grizzled, it is probably Jack that needs to be sacrificed. Watching the second half of this past year, it seems like Quinn found his groove again. If he can operate at that pace over the course of a full season, we have a potential 60 point player on our hands. He has some serious skill but he needs some serious consistency as well. As an overall player, Jack still has lots to work on. His defensive game can be pretty rough sometimes, highlighted by his -18 on the year. His forecheck needs work as well, though we saw some improvement there I feel. His hustle in the second half was pretty solid.
So what will Buffalo do with this still young, 23 year old talent? Trust in him or trade him? It’s probably a coin flip for some. I’m leaning towards Buffalo holding on to Quinn. I feel a fair, team friendly bridge deal is probable and the reward he could give the team on that deal could be high. Jack’s best offensive days are ahead of him and most of us would like to see that in a Sabres’ uniform. It really was a tale of two seasons for him. Only a handful of points in his first 20 games. Spending time in the press box later on as a healthy scratch. Then getting good minutes from Lindy Ruff and contributing regularly in the second half. Quinn was also handy in the shootout, where his skills and shot accuracy are very useful.
So how does this shake out for a grade? Quinn was literally an F for the first 20 games. He was lost, ineffective, a step behind. Games 20-40 he moved up to a D. Chipping in here and there, elevating his game steadily. Games 40-82 he returned to form though, producing like a higher draft pick should. The goals started to come and his offensive vision started to show. The coaching staff still has work to do with this kid. (wish it was a different staff) But after two years of some rough times with Quinn, hopefully he is ready for a breakout season. His 15 goals and 39 points were both career highs this past year. That feels surprising, considering the insane struggles he had to start the campaign. It does show us the talent is there though with his solid comeback in the second half.
