Why Mike Sullivan brought David Quinn back to Rangers on his staff

For a handful of Rangers, there’s been some déjà vu this training camp. David Quinn is back in New York, this time as an assistant coach under head coach Mike Sullivan.It’s been just over four years since Quinn was ousted from his post behind the Rangers bench, where he experienced his first NHL head coaching opportunity from 2018-2021.  Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mollie Walker about the inside buzz on the Rangers.

After Quinn joined Sullivan’s staff in Pittsburgh last season, the new Blueshirts coach asked his former Boston University teammate to serve on his staff in New York as well. “I think Quinnie is a real good coach,” Sullivan said earlier in training camp.“And that was one of the reasons I asked him to join me in Pittsburgh.

We’ve obviously known each other for a long time.We’ve talked hockey for a lot of years together.

He’s a student of the game, and I think he’s a real good hockey coach.I watched what he did with our team in Pittsburgh last year with the responsibilities that we gave him.

Did a great job with our power play.He did a terrific job with our defensemen, up and down the lineup, whether it be the veteran players or some of the younger kids. “He’s a good teacher.

He brings great energy.He loves hockey.

I just think he’s a good coach.I really like our staff.

I think there’s a chemistry that’s so important amongst the coaching staff.Just like a group of players.

I like the group that we’ve assembled.I think everyone, they get along pretty well.

We have some laughs, but when it’s time to work, we go to work.They’re a fun group to be a part of.” Quinn and Sullivan overlapped at BU for two seasons from 1986-1988, with assistant Joe Sacco arriving for the 1987-88 season.

The now 59-year-old Quinn also served as co-captain of the Terriers that campaign. In addition to joining Sullivan’s Penguins staff, Quinn was also named an...