The Pittsburgh Penguins made a significant offseason move on Wednesday by hiring David Quinn as an assistant coach to join Mike Sullivan’s staff. Quinn, who previously coached the New York Rangers and San Jose Sharks, will replace Todd Reirden and focus on the team’s defensemen. The Penguins have not specified whether Quinn will handle the power play or penalty kill units.
Quinn’s NHL coaching career includes notable achievements with defensemen, having coached two Norris Trophy winners: Adam Fox with the Rangers in the 2020-21 season and Erik Karlsson with the Sharks in 2022-23. With Karlsson now a Penguin, it’s crucial for the team to maximize his production due to his significant salary cap hit and his potential impact on the Penguins’ success.
Karlsson’s first season with the Penguins was seen as underwhelming compared to his final season with the Sharks, though he wasn’t unproductive. Realistically, expecting another 100-point season from him was unreasonable. Despite this, Quinn’s previous success with Karlsson, who was considered past his prime, suggests he might help Karlsson return to elite form.
Before Quinn’s tenure in San Jose, Karlsson had only 57 points in 102 games, struggling with injuries and appearing less effective. Under Quinn, Karlsson rebounded dramatically, having one of the best offensive seasons ever for a defenseman, even on a struggling team.
Quinn’s hiring is also intriguing beyond Karlsson. The Penguins have other key defensemen like Kris Letang, Marcus Pettersson, and the potential reclamation project, Ryan Graves. While Quinn might not perform miracles with Graves, his reputation for video work and ability to extract strong performances from defensemen is promising.
Quinn’s past failures as a head coach might not reflect his abilities accurately. The Rangers were early in their rebuild during his tenure, and the Sharks’ rosters were among the worst in the salary cap era, making success difficult. There’s a significant difference between being a head coach and an assistant, with the latter role allowing for more specialized focus.
Quinn’s personal relationship with Sullivan might also provide a trusted voice for potential system adjustments. Overall, this hiring appears to be a strategic move with potential benefits. If Quinn can help Karlsson and other defensemen elevate their games, it could be as impactful as any major signing or trade the Penguins make this offseason.
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