Hiring Former Rangers Coach Would be Quinning Move for Hawks

Quinn, 55, coached the New York Rangers for three seasons before he was fired last summer. It was his first head coaching gig in the NHL after he was hired from Boston University, compiling a record of 96-87-25. While he did not have a position in the NHL this season, he coached Team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics, who was the youngest team in Beijing. The national team swept their group play before falling in a shootout in the preliminary round.

Quinn oversaw the development of several of the NHL's top draft picks during his tenure as Boston University's head coach such as Jack Eichel, Charlie McAvoy, Jake Oettinger and Brady Tkachuk.

"David brings a diverse and successful coaching resume that includes extensive work in developing young talent," said James Dolan, the executive chairman and CEO of the Madison Square Garden Company, at the time of Quinn's hiring.

Quinn wanted it clear that he was preaching toughness from the start, but knew that the goal was to develop kids which is crucial in a rebuild with younger players.

"We talked about it for three years how we have to get harder to play against. It was part of the process of building a team when you have kids in your lineup,» Quinn explained.

Developing youngsters Lukas Reichel, Alec Regula, Alex Vlasic and Arvid Soderblom, would be in great hands with Quinn at the helm. So while Barry Trotz is the sexy name, Quinn is the more practical one with the current state of the franchise.