Quick says it 'felt like the right time' to retire from NHL

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Jonathan Quick is retiring from the NHL after 19 seasons.

The three-time Stanley Cup champion, who has the most wins (410) and shutouts (65) of any United States-born goalie in NHL history, said his start for the New York Rangers in a 3-2 loss to the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on Monday would be the last of his illustrious career.

The 40-year-old made 14 saves in the loss.

"Tonight will be my last game in the League, and I am looking forward to it," Quick said following the morning skate. "My wife (Jaclyn) flew down with the kids, my parents will be here. I am looking forward to this last one, try to get one more win here. … When I knew what the decision was going to be, it just felt right. Felt like the right time. I put some thought into it."

Quick played his first 16 seasons for the Los Angeles Kings, who selected him in the third round (No. 72) of the 2005 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut on Dec. 6, 2007, making 15 saves in an 8-2 win against the Buffalo Sabres.

Quick would go on to lead the Kings to two Stanley Cup championships (2012, 2014).  He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy, which is awarded to the most valuable player of the playoffs, in 2012, when he went 16-4 with a 1.41 goals-against average and .946 save percentage. 

He was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets by the Kings on March 1, 2023, before being sent one day later to the Vegas Golden Knights, with whom he won the Cup again as a backup.

The native of Milford, Connecticut, signed a one-year contract with New York on July 1, 2023. He played his final three seasons with New York. 

Quick will finish his career with a 410-307-90 record, a 2.51 GAA and .910 save percentage in 829 regular-season games. He was 49-43 with a 2.31 GAA and .921 save percentage in 92 postseason games. 

"The organizations I have been part of have been great to me," Quick said. "There's tons of people who I am grateful to for what they have done for me and my family over the years. … I was fortunate to be part of some really great hockey teams, and I am proud to have been part of them."

Quick said he sat down with Rangers general manager Chris Drury and coach Mike Sullivan before making the announcement so they could make plans for the future.

His teammates found out another way.

"They found out from my wife," Quick said with a laugh. "She's not good at keeping secrets, but there have been talks here and there. They're excited for me."

The Rangers (33-39-9), who will end their season at the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, will miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season. 

"I think he is one of the very best of his generation," Sullivan said, "and he has so much evidence to prove it. Every time I have spoken (to the media about Quick), I have mentioned that I think he is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. I believe that, and he has the resume to prove it. In my experience of coaching great players over the years, he is in company with those guys. He is a great guy, and I wish I had the opportunity to coach him longer. …

"He's an inspiration to all of us, not just for the career he has had, but at 40 years old, how he carries himself on a daily basis. It represents everything that we, as a team, want to become."