Retirement may be in Jonathan Quick’s future, but that time is not now.
Quick signed a one-year, $1.55 million extension with the New York Rangers on Wednesday, keeping his illustrious career alive for at least another year.
Over the past two seasons, Quick’s impact has far exceeded anyone’s wildest expectations as he’s been a reliable backup goalie behind Igor Shesterkin.
“It’s perfect. The group and coaching staff, management,” Quick said. “Very lucky to come and go to work with these guys every day. Obviously, on the family side, close to where I grew up, my wife grew up. We got family close by. Very fortunate to have the opportunity to play here.”
If Father Time was quickly catching up to Quick that would be one thing. However, the 39-year-old goalie has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
In fact, retirement wasn’t really on Quick’s mind at all.
“I don’t know, it’s not something you’re thinking about constantly,” Quick said of when he knew he wanted to keep playing. “Whether friends or my kids or someone asking me if I was going to play again next year or not. Glad to have an answer for my kids at least.”
Quick always steps up when Shesterkin is either hurt or needs a rest, showing that he still has a lot of gas left in the tank.
In 17 starts this season, the two-time Stanley Cup champion has recorded a 9-6-2 record, 3.14 goals against average and .896 save percentage.
Even with Quick set to turn 40-years-old in January of 2026, he still feels like a kid playing hockey with some players that are 20 years younger than him.
“Forty sneaks up on you, I’ll be honest,” Quick emphasized. “But being around these guys every day definitely keeps you young. I don’t feel 40.”
There’s nothing left for Quick to prove at this point in his career. He’s been through it all and has accomplished so much throughout his 18-year career.
Quick is continuing to play hockey because he still possesses that competitive drive to win and remains confident in his ability to play at a high level.
“I feel confident, comfortable in there, helping this team try to win games every time I’m out there,” Quick said. “I feel like I still have stuff to give on the game side of it.”