Jonathan Quick
Jonathan Quick is an American professional ice hockey goaltender for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL).[1] Born January 21, 1986, in Milford, Connecticut, Quick stands at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) tall and weighs 219 pounds (99 kg), catching left-handed.[2] Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the third round, 72nd overall, of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, he emerged as a key figure in the Kings' success, leading them to Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014 while earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2012 for his exceptional performance, including a 1.41 goals-against average and .946 save percentage across 24 games. Quick also won the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.[1] Quick also won the William M. Jennings Trophy, awarded to the goaltender(s) on the team allowing the fewest goals, in 2014 and 2018.[3] Quick's NHL career began in earnest during the 2007–08 season with the Kings, where he posted a 2.56 goals-against average in 38 games as a rookie.[4] Over 16 seasons primarily with Los Angeles, he amassed 370 wins, becoming the franchise's all-time leader in goaltending victories before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets and then the Vegas Golden Knights ahead of the 2023 trade deadline.[1] Signing as a free agent with the Rangers on July 1, 2023, Quick has served as a reliable backup and mentor, achieving his 400th career win on February 2, 2025, against the Ottawa Senators, making him the first U.S.-born goaltender and the 15th overall in NHL history to reach that milestone.[5] As of November 2025, Quick holds 407 career wins, ranking 11th all-time in the league, and recently signed a one-year extension with New York for the 2025–26 season.[1][6] Internationally, Quick represented the United States at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, where he contributed to a silver medal as the third goaltender behind the eventual champions Canada.[7] He also played in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, starting two games as Team USA finished fourth.[7] Known for his butterfly style, quick reflexes, and clutch performances in high-stakes situations, Quick has been a two-time Vezina Trophy finalist (2011 and 2012) and was selected to the NHL Second All-Star Team in 2012.[4] His durability and leadership have solidified his legacy as one of the premier American goaltenders of his era.Early life
Youth and family background
Jonathan Quick was born on January 21, 1986, in Milford, Connecticut, to parents Doug and Lisa Quick. He grew up in the nearby town of Hamden, where his family resided on Tanglewood Drive.[8] Quick has two brothers, Justin and Joey, and a sister, Jessica, with the siblings sharing a highly competitive household dynamic that emphasized sports participation through activities like board games, Wiffle ball, and street hockey.[9] Quick's early exposure to hockey began in Hamden through informal street games with neighborhood children, where he expressed a strong preference for the goaltender position from a young age.[10] Influenced by watching National Hockey League games, he refused to join organized hockey unless allowed to play goalie, a decision supported by his parents.[11] This foundation led to his introduction to local rinks and youth leagues in the New England area, including participation in Hamden's youth hockey programs.[12] Quick then played varsity hockey for one season at Hamden High School during 2001–02 before transferring to Avon Old Farms School.[13] Quick progressed through these local youth teams, honing his skills under early mentors such as Mike Backman, who coached him starting at age nine in various Connecticut youth squads.[14] These formative experiences in Hamden's competitive hockey environment laid the groundwork for his development as a goaltender before advancing to more structured amateur play.Amateur and collegiate hockey
Quick attended Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Connecticut, where he honed his goaltending skills in prep hockey. During his junior and senior seasons, he led the team to back-to-back New England Prep School Championships, posting impressive records of 27-1 and 25-2, respectively, for a combined 52-3 mark over those two years.[15][8] His standout performances earned him recognition as one of the top goaltenders in New England, including All-New England honors in both seasons.[15] These achievements positioned Quick for the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, where he was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the third round, 72nd overall.[16] His selection came after a dominant prep career that showcased his quick reflexes and composure under pressure, drawing attention from NHL scouts.[8] Quick then enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, playing two seasons for the Minutemen in Hockey East from 2005 to 2007. As a freshman in 2005-06, he appeared in 17 games with a 4-10-1 record, a 2.98 goals-against average (GAA), and a .920 save percentage, earning Hockey East Rookie of the Month honors for November after key wins against ranked opponents.[7][17] In his sophomore year of 2006-07, Quick emerged as the team's backbone, starting 37 games with a 19-12-5 record, a 2.16 GAA, .929 save percentage, and three shutouts; he led UMass to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and was named to the Hockey East Second All-Star Team as well as the AHCA East Second-Team All-American.[4][18][19] Following the 2006-07 season, Quick left college early to turn professional, signing with the Los Angeles Kings organization. He was assigned to their ECHL affiliate, the Reading Royals, where he began his pro career in the 2007-08 season.[20][21]Professional career
Los Angeles Kings era (2007–2023)
Jonathan Quick signed an entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings in July 2007 following his junior hockey career, and he spent the majority of the 2007–08 season developing with their American Hockey League affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, where he posted a 25–18–3 record with a 2.56 goals-against average (GAA) in 49 games.[2] He made his NHL debut on December 6, 2007, starting against the Buffalo Sabres and securing a 8–2 victory with 15 saves on 17 shots, marking his first career win and start in the league.[22] Quick appeared in just three games that season for the Kings, finishing 2–1–0 with a 2.57 GAA, primarily serving as a backup to starter Dan Cloutier while continuing to hone his skills in the AHL.[2] Quick emerged as the Kings' primary goaltender during the 2008–09 season, posting a 21–18–2 record with a 2.56 GAA and two shutouts in 44 appearances, helping solidify his role on the roster.[1] His performance continued to improve in subsequent years, but it was the 2011–12 season that marked his breakthrough, as he started 69 games and recorded 35 wins, a 1.95 GAA, a .929 save percentage, and 10 shutouts, earning him a spot as a Vezina Trophy finalist for the league's top goaltender.[2] In the playoffs, Quick backstopped the eighth-seeded Kings to their first Stanley Cup championship, going 16–4 with a 1.41 GAA, .946 save percentage, and three shutouts in 20 games, culminating in a six-game series victory over the New Jersey Devils; his exceptional play earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs. The 2013–14 season brought another championship for Quick and the Kings, as he helped lead the team to their second Stanley Cup in three years despite missing 24 games due to a groin injury. Appearing in 53 regular-season games with a 27–16–3 record, 2.07 GAA, and .918 save percentage, Quick then posted 16–10 with a 2.58 GAA and .911 save percentage in 26 playoff starts, including a seven-game Finals win over the New York Rangers.[2] This back-to-back success underscored Quick's status as a franchise cornerstone, with his two-way mobility and quick reflexes becoming hallmarks of the Kings' defensive identity during their dynasty years. Quick reached several career milestones in the mid-2010s, including a Vezina Trophy finalist nod in 2015–16 after leading the league with 40 wins in 68 games, alongside a 2.17 GAA and .922 save percentage, while also sharing the William M. Jennings Trophy for the fewest team goals allowed.[2] He played his 500th NHL game on October 26, 2017, against the Montreal Canadiens, recording a 40-save shutout in a 4–0 victory that highlighted his enduring reliability.[23] These achievements cemented Quick's longevity with the Kings, where he amassed over 370 wins and became the team's all-time leader in games played and victories by a goaltender.[24] Injuries began to impact Quick's performance in the late 2010s, including a torn meniscus in his knee that required surgery in October 2018, sidelining him indefinitely early in the season, and a history of groin issues that had previously limited him to 17 games in 2016–17.[25] A herniated disc in his back in early 2013 had also necessitated surgery, contributing to ongoing durability concerns throughout his career.[26] By the 2022–23 season, Quick transitioned to a backup role behind Pheonix Copley, appearing in 41 games with an 11–13–4 record, 3.28 GAA, and .893 save percentage as the Kings sought younger options in net.[2] On March 1, 2023, the Kings traded Quick, along with a conditional 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick, to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, effectively ending his 16-year tenure with the organization.[27]Vegas Golden Knights stint (2023)
On March 2, 2023, the Vegas Golden Knights acquired veteran goaltender Jonathan Quick from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for goaltender Michael Hutchinson and a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.[28] This trade came just one day after the Los Angeles Kings had sent Quick to Columbus along with draft picks for defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, marking a swift transition for the 37-year-old netminder seeking to continue his NHL career.[29] Quick, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Kings, joined Vegas as a depth option amid injuries to their goaltending tandem, providing experienced leadership in the locker room during a competitive push for the playoffs. In his 10 regular-season games with the Golden Knights, Quick served primarily as the backup to Adin Hill, posting a 5-2-2 record with a 3.13 goals-against average and .901 save percentage. His debut on March 5, 2023, resulted in a 4-3 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, where he stopped 25 of 28 shots, marking his first non-Kings start in the NHL after 15 seasons in Los Angeles.[30] Quick's steady performances helped stabilize Vegas's net during a crucial stretch, contributing to their first-place finish in the Pacific Division with 111 points and securing home-ice advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs. Quick did not appear in any playoff games during Vegas's 2023 Stanley Cup run, serving as the third goaltender behind Hill and Laurent Brossoit, but he remained an integral part of the team that defeated the Florida Panthers 4-1 in the Finals to win the championship on June 13, 2023. Notably, the Golden Knights faced Quick's former team, the Kings, in the first round, sweeping the series 4-0 with Hill in net for all games; this matchup provided Quick a poignant moment of reflection as he watched from the bench against the organization where he had spent his entire professional career to that point.[31] The victory etched Quick's name on the Stanley Cup for the third time, underscoring his enduring impact as a veteran presence in a brief but championship-capped stint with Vegas.[1]New York Rangers tenure (2023–present)
Following a brief stint with the Vegas Golden Knights that served as a career pivot after 16 seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, Jonathan Quick signed a one-year contract with the New York Rangers on July 1, 2023, worth $925,000 to serve as the backup goaltender to Igor Shesterkin.[32] In this role, Quick provided veteran stability in the crease, allowing Shesterkin to manage his workload during the Rangers' competitive push in the Eastern Conference. During the 2023–24 season, Quick appeared in 27 games, posting an 18–6–2 record with a 2.62 goals-against average (GAA) and .911 save percentage, including two shutouts.[2] His strong performances, such as a 28-save shutout against the Ottawa Senators on April 1, 2024, contributed key wins during the Rangers' late-season playoff surge, helping secure the Metropolitan Division title and home-ice advantage. Quick re-signed with the Rangers on a one-year, $1.275 million deal on March 3, 2024, ahead of the 2024–25 season. That year, he played 24 games with an 11–7–2 record, 3.17 GAA, and .893 save percentage, including three shutouts.[2] On February 2, 2025, Quick earned his 400th career NHL win in a 4–2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, becoming the first U.S.-born goaltender to reach the milestone and the 15th overall in league history.[33] He followed this on March 2, 2025, by appearing in his 800th career game against the Nashville Predators, where he recorded a 34-save shutout in a 4–0 win, joining 17 goaltenders in NHL history with at least 800 appearances.[34] Amid speculation about retirement as he approached his 40th birthday in January 2026, Quick agreed to another one-year extension with the Rangers on March 12, 2025, valued at $1.55 million.[35] As of November 17, 2025, in the 2025–26 season, Quick has a 3–2–0 record, 1.42 goals-against average, .951 save percentage, and one shutout across five games, continuing to support the Rangers' contention in the Eastern Conference through targeted load management for Shesterkin.[1]International career
Olympic appearances
Jonathan Quick was selected as the third goaltender for the United States at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, serving as backup to starter Ryan Miller and Tim Thomas; he did not appear in any games as the team advanced to the gold medal match before losing 3-2 in overtime to Canada, earning a silver medal.[7][36] Quick's selection for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi was influenced by his performance during the 2011–12 and 2012–13 NHL seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, where he led the team to a Stanley Cup championship as the starting goaltender and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP while finishing as runner-up for the Vezina Trophy.[37][38] Named the starting goaltender over Ryan Miller and Jimmy Howard by head coach Dan Bylsma, Quick appeared in five games, posting a 3-2 record with a 2.17 goals-against average and .923 save percentage.[39][40] He earned the starting nod for the preliminary round opener against Slovakia, making 22 saves in a 7-1 victory, and followed with 29 saves in regulation plus five shootout stops in a 3-2 shootout win over host Russia.[41] Quick started the quarterfinal against the Czech Republic, allowing two goals on 35 shots in a 5-2 victory, the semifinal against Canada, stopping 36 of 37 shots in a 1-0 loss that advanced to medal contention, and then allowed five goals on 29 shots in the bronze-medal game, a 5-0 defeat to Finland, as the U.S. finished fourth overall.[42][43][44] Quick was not selected for the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, having missed most of the 2017–18 NHL season due to a knee injury sustained in January 2018, alongside shifts in U.S. team composition favoring other goaltenders like Ben Bishop and John Gibson.[45]World Championship participation
Quick represented the United States at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey in Toronto, serving as the starting goaltender. He appeared in two games, posting an 0-2 record with a 3.56 goals-against average and .863 save percentage as Team USA finished fourth after losses to Team Europe in the semifinal and a consolation game.[46][47][48] Quick served as the backup goaltender to Connor Hellebuyck for the United States at the 2017 IIHF World Championship, held in Cologne, Germany, and Paris, France. He appeared in two games, posting an 0-2 record with a 3.56 goals-against average and .863 save percentage as the U.S. team finished 11th overall.[13] Across his international appearances in best-on-best and IIHF World Championship tournaments, Quick compiled a 0-4 record with a 3.56 goals-against average in four games played.[13]Personal life and legacy
Family and off-ice interests
Jonathan Quick married Jaclyn Backman in 2009. The couple has three children: a daughter, Madison Mychal Quick, born on March 12, 2010; a son, Carter Quick, born on April 9, 2013; and another son, Cashton "Cash" Quick, born in 2020.[8][49][50][51] During his long tenure with the Los Angeles Kings from 2007 to 2023, Quick and his family resided in Manhattan Beach, California, a coastal community that offered a laid-back lifestyle away from the rink. The sudden trade to the Columbus Blue Jackets in March 2023, followed by a quick flip to the Vegas Golden Knights, presented significant relocation challenges for the family, including emotional adjustments to leaving their established home after 16 years in Los Angeles. After signing with the New York Rangers in July 2023, the family relocated to the New York area, closer to Quick's Connecticut roots, allowing them to settle in Hamden, where his parents reside.[52][53][54][55] Quick is recognized for his quiet, laid-back demeanor and unwavering strong work ethic, traits that have endeared him to teammates and contributed to his longevity in the NHL. In New York, he has embraced a mentorship role with younger goalies, particularly serving as a guide and "best friend" to starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin, sharing insights from his extensive experience.[56][57][58] Off the ice, Quick is a golf enthusiast who has participated in team charity golf events, including the Los Angeles Kings' annual tournaments. During his years in California, he enjoyed outdoor activities that complemented the region's lifestyle.[59][60]Philanthropy and impact on hockey
Jonathan Quick has demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy throughout his NHL career, focusing on youth development, healthcare, and community support. During his long tenure with the Los Angeles Kings, he actively participated in initiatives through the Kings Care Foundation, including annual visits to Children's Hospital Los Angeles to engage with pediatric patients and their families. In 2020, Quick joined teammates for a virtual event amid the COVID-19 pandemic, where players interacted with children, played games, and delivered Kings gear to provide comfort and joy.[61] Earlier, in 2014, following the Kings' second Stanley Cup victory, Quick hosted a private viewing of the trophy as a fundraiser for the Hamden Youth Hockey Association in his Connecticut hometown, raising funds for local youth programs.[62] With the New York Rangers, Quick's off-ice contributions earned him the 2025 Rod Gilbert "Mr. Ranger" Award, which honors players for exemplifying leadership and making significant humanitarian impacts in the community. The award recognizes his efforts both on and off the ice, including participation in Rangers community events.[63] He has also supported mental health awareness through involvement in the Shoulder Check Showcase, an annual charity hockey event benefiting the #HT40 Foundation; Quick attended in 2023, 2024, and 2025 alongside teammates to promote the cause and engage with participants, serving as a coach in the 2025 event.[64][65] Quick's influence extends to mentoring emerging goaltenders, sharing his expertise to foster the next generation. In Los Angeles, he guided prospect Cal Petersen, who described Quick as a key mentor despite their competition for starts, praising his professionalism and advice on handling NHL pressures.[66] Upon joining the Rangers, Quick has advised Igor Shesterkin on workload management, serving as a reliable backup to allow the starter rest while offering veteran insights on longevity and preparation.[67] Quick's legacy as a trailblazer for American goaltenders is profound, marked by historic achievements that inspire U.S.-born netminders. In February 2025, he became the first U.S.-born goaltender to reach 400 NHL wins, surpassing previous benchmarks set by countrymen like Ryan Miller.[68] His durability—evidenced by over 750 regular-season games played, including two Stanley Cup championships—establishes a standard for endurance and consistency among American players in a position historically dominated by Canadians. Quick's success has elevated the profile of U.S. goaltending, encouraging greater investment in domestic talent development.[1]Career statistics
NHL regular season and playoffs
Jonathan Quick debuted in the NHL during the 2007–08 season with the Los Angeles Kings, appearing in three games as a backup to establish his early professional presence. From 2008 to 2011, he transitioned into a more prominent role, serving primarily as the starter by his third full season; over these years, he played 180 games, achieving 95 wins, a 2.37 goals-against average (GAA), and .913 save percentage (SV%), while securing 14 shutouts that highlighted his emerging reliability in net.[2] Quick's peak years as the Kings' undisputed starter spanned 2011–12 to 2017–18, a period defined by elite performance and two Stanley Cup championships. The 2011–12 season marked a breakout, with 35 wins, 13 overtime losses, a league-leading 1.95 GAA, .929 SV%, and 10 shutouts in 69 games, culminating in playoff dominance that earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy. In 2013–14, he recorded 27 wins and a 2.07 GAA in 49 regular-season games, anchoring the Kings' second Cup run. Overall, this era saw him play 422 games, posting 192 wins, a 2.25 GAA, .917 SV%, and 35 shutouts, underscoring his Vezina-caliber form.[1][2] Injuries, including surgeries and shared duties with backup goalies, contributed to a decline from 2018–19 to 2022–23 (partial with LAK), during which Quick appeared in 105 games with the Kings, compiling 46 wins, a 2.75 GAA, .902 SV%, and five shutouts amid team rebuilding efforts. Traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in March 2023, he played 10 regular-season games there (4-2-1, 2.55 GAA, .895 SV%, 1 SO) before signing with the New York Rangers as a veteran backup. In 2023–24 with the Rangers, he went 18–6–2 with a 2.62 GAA and .911 SV% in 27 games. Through the 2024–25 season, he added 11 wins in 24 appearances despite a higher 3.17 GAA and .893 SV%. As of November 17, 2025, early in the 2025–26 season, Quick has appeared in five games for the Rangers, posting 3 wins, 2 losses, a 1.42 GAA, .951 SV%, and one shutout.[1][2] Quick's regular-season career totals, as of November 17, 2025, include 809 games played, 407 wins, 292 losses, 88 overtime losses, a 2.49 GAA, .911 SV%, and 64 shutouts over approximately 47,200 minutes. The following table summarizes his regular-season performance by key periods and standout seasons:| Period/Season | Team(s) | GP | Wins-Losses-OTL | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career (2007–11) | LAK | 180 | 95-67-12 | 2.37 | .913 | 14 |
| 2011–12 (Peak) | LAK | 69 | 35-21-13 | 1.95 | .929 | 10 |
| Peak Era (2011–12 to 2017–18) | LAK | 422 | 192-126-44 | 2.25 | .917 | 35 |
| Decline/Rebuild (2018–19 to 2022–23 partial) | LAK | 105 | 46-52-15 | 2.75 | .902 | 5 |
| 2022–23 (Vegas) | VGK | 10 | 4-2-1 | 2.55 | .895 | 1 |
| 2023–24 | NYR | 27 | 18-6-2 | 2.62 | .911 | 2 |
| 2024–25 | NYR | 24 | 11-7-2 | 3.17 | .893 | 3 |
| 2025–26 (to date) | NYR | 5 | 3-2-0 | 1.42 | .951 | 1 |
| Career Totals | - | 809 | 407-292-88 | 2.49 | .911 | 64 |
| Category/Series | GP | Wins-Losses | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career Playoff Totals | 93 | 49–43 | 2.31 | .921 | 10 |
| 2011–12 Stanley Cup (vs. VAN/STL/PHX/NJD) | 20 | 16–4 | 1.41 | .946 | 3 |
| 2013–14 Stanley Cup (vs. SJS/ANA/CHI/NYR) | 26 | 16–10 | 2.11 | .911 | 2 |
| 2012–13 (Second-round exit) | 12 | 6–6 | 1.86 | .946 | 1 |
International tournaments
Jonathan Quick represented the United States in international competitions, including the Winter Olympics and IIHF World Championships, where he primarily served as a backup goaltender with limited but impactful playing time.[7] His contributions helped the team secure a bronze medal at the 2012 IIHF World Championship, though the U.S. did not medal in the Olympics during his appearances.[69]Olympic Appearances
Quick was selected for the U.S. Olympic team in 2010 and 2014. In 2010 at Vancouver, he appeared in 1 game, posting a 0.00 goals-against average (GAA) and 1 shutout.[70] In 2014 at Sochi, he played 2 games with a 1.00 GAA and .960 save percentage (SV%). The U.S. team finished with silver in 2010 and fourth in 2014, but Quick's role was supplementary to starters Ryan Miller and Jimmy Howard.[7]World Championship Participation
Quick participated in the IIHF World Championships in 2009, 2012, and 2013. In 2009, he saw action in 1 game with a 3.11 GAA. In 2012, he played 3 games, recording a 1.67 GAA and .935 SV%, contributing to the U.S. bronze medal finish. His 2013 appearance included 2 games with a 2.50 GAA.| Tournament | Year | GP | Record | GAA | SV% | Shutouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympics | 2010 | 1 | - | 0.00 | - | 1 |
| Olympics | 2014 | 2 | - | 1.00 | .960 | 0 |
| World Championship | 2009 | 1 | - | 3.11 | - | 0 |
| World Championship | 2012 | 3 | - | 1.67 | .935 | 0 |
| World Championship | 2013 | 2 | - | 2.50 | - | 0 |