Perhaps it’s a nod to David Quinn’s experience as the former head coach of the New York Rangers and San Jose Sharks. Perhaps it’s a nod to Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson, who won the 2023 Norris Trophy while playing for Quinn in San Jose. And perhaps it is a nod to Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, who is notably close with his fellow Boston University alumni.
On Tuesday morning, New York reporter Arthur Staple of the Athletic reported that Quinn would be tabbed as Todd Reirden’s replacement, joining the Penguins’ coaching staff.
Reirden oversaw the Penguins power play and defensemen. The Penguins terminated Reirden on May 3, following an abysmal year for the power play. It finished 30th of 32 teams at 15.3%, and the Penguins missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
At the time of Reirden’s dismal, there were reports of disagreement between Sullivan and Penguins president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas over the move.
Quinn, 57, was relieved of his duties in April after only two years behind the San Jose bench. San Jose began the season with a historic 11-game losing streak, including a 10-2 drubbing by the Penguins on Nov. 5. San Jose finished with the worst record in the NHL.
Quinn also coached the New York Rangers for three seasons from 2018 to 2021 and Boston University from 2013 to 2018.
Quinn and Sullivan have a long friendship, dating back to their time as teammates at Boston University from 1986-1988 under legendary coach Jack Parker, who coached the team for 40 seasons.
In November, Sullivan told our colleagues at San Jose Hockey Now why he felt Quinn was the right coach for San Jose. His answer seems to apply to the Penguins’ future, too.
“He’s a very good teacher. He has a good understanding of the game, a good command of the X’s and O’s, and not only that, he understands how to help players improve and grow and get better,” Sullivan said. “I think his experience in college hockey would really help (players) in that regard, just dealing with the younger generation and trying to help players grow and develop as people.”
After the Penguins acquired Karlsson on Aug. 6, he talked about playing for Quinn and the similarities with Sullivan.
