Penguins Coaching Staff Welcomes David Quinn
This summer, the Pittsburgh Penguins made a significant addition to their coaching staff by bringing in David Quinn as an assistant coach under Head Coach Mike Sullivan. At 57 years old, Quinn joins a talented group that includes Assistant Coaches Mike Vellucci and Ty Hennes, Goaltending Coach Andy Chiodo, Video Coach Madison Nikkel, and Assistant Video Coach CJ D’Alimonte. Quinn will specifically oversee the team’s defensive group, a role that aligns perfectly with his extensive coaching background.
A Wealth of Experience
David Quinn is no stranger to the NHL, boasting over 30 years of coaching experience. He has previously served as the head coach for both the San Jose Sharks (2022-2024) and the New York Rangers (2018-2021). During his tenure with these teams, he played a pivotal role in the development of defensemen who went on to win the prestigious Norris Trophy, awarded to the league’s best defenseman. Notably, Adam Fox and Erik Karlsson earned this accolade in the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons, respectively, under Quinn’s guidance.
Quinn’s expertise extends beyond the NHL, as he has also made significant contributions at the international level with Team USA. He was the head coach for the U.S. teams at the World Championships in 2022 and 2023, as well as the 2022 Olympic Team. His experience includes serving as an assistant coach at three World Championships and the 2005 World Junior Championship. Additionally, he played a role in the U.S. Women’s National Team’s success, helping them secure silver medals in the Women’s World Championship in 1999 and 2000.
Training Camp Tryouts
As the Penguins gear up for the upcoming season, two players are competing in training camp on professional tryouts: defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov and goaltender Luke Richardson. Knyzhov, a 26-year-old defenseman, has spent the last five seasons with the San Jose Sharks organization, appearing in 81 NHL games and accumulating 12 points. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 222 pounds, Knyzhov also has experience in the AHL, where he played 92 games and recorded 21 points. A native of Kemerovo, Russia, he has represented his country at the 2018 World Junior Championship.
Luke Richardson, 25, has had a varied career, splitting the last two seasons between the AHL and ECHL. Last season, he played 12 games with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, achieving a remarkable 7-1-1 record, a 2.19 goals-against average, and a .931 save percentage. Before turning professional, Richardson played four seasons with the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL and spent time at Queen’s University in USports.
2024 NHL Draft Highlights
The Penguins made a splash at the 2024 NHL Draft held at Sphere in Las Vegas, selecting six players to bolster their roster. Among the notable picks were defenseman Harrison Brunicke (44th overall) and forward Tanner Howe (46th overall), both of whom have shown promise in their junior careers. Brunicke has played parts of three seasons with the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL, recording 21 points in 49 games last season. He also represented Team Canada at the World Under-18 Championship.
Tanner Howe, drafted shortly after Brunicke, served as captain of the Regina Pats last season, where he tallied an impressive 77 points in 68 games. His leadership and performance have made him a standout player, and he has also represented Canada at two World Under-18 Championships, contributing to a bronze medal win in 2023.
Other selections included defenseman Chase Pietila (111th overall), Joona Vaisanen (175th overall), and forwards Mac Swanson (207th overall) and Finn Harding (223rd overall). Harding, in particular, has shown potential with the Mississauga Steelheads, recording 34 points in 68 games last season.
Success at the 2024 Prospects Challenge
The Penguins’ prospects showcased their talent at the 2024 Prospects Challenge in Buffalo, finishing the tournament with a perfect 3-0 record. In their opening game against the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh overcame an early deficit to win 6-3, with Tristan Broz scoring twice and several players contributing multiple points.
The following day, the Penguins faced the Ottawa Senators, where three second-period goals propelled them to a 4-1 victory. Jack Beck and Atley Calvert were among the players who stood out, each recording multiple points.
Capping off the tournament, the Penguins delivered an impressive performance against the Buffalo Sabres, scoring a tournament-high eight goals. Atley Calvert shone with a hat trick, while Broz also had a standout game with four points.
Sidney Crosby’s Contract Extension
In a significant move for the franchise, the Penguins re-signed their captain, Sidney Crosby, to a two-year contract extension that will keep him in Pittsburgh through the 2026-27 season. This extension, valued at an average annual salary of $8.7 million, ensures that the three-time Stanley Cup champion will continue to lead the team as he enters his 20th season with the Penguins.
Crosby, who has been a cornerstone of the franchise, holds numerous records, including games played, even-strength goals, and game-winning goals. He ranks among the top ten in NHL history for points and has consistently demonstrated his elite skill level throughout his career.
International Coaching Representation
The Penguins coaching staff will also have a strong presence on the international stage. Mike Sullivan has been named the head coach of Team USA for the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Olympic Games. David Quinn will serve as an assistant coach for Team USA at the Four Nations Face-Off, further showcasing the depth of talent within the Penguins’ coaching ranks.
The Four Nations Face-Off, featuring NHL players from the U.S., Canada, Finland, and Sweden, will take place in February 2025 in Boston and Montreal. The 2026 Olympic Games will be held in Italy, providing an exciting opportunity for both Sullivan and Quinn to represent their country on a global stage.
Mike Sullivan’s Coaching Legacy
Sullivan’s coaching experience is extensive, with a career NHL record of 445-275-115. He is one of only three American-born coaches to achieve 400 wins in the NHL. His leadership has been instrumental in the Penguins’ success, and he has previously represented Team USA in various international competitions, including the Olympics and World Championships.
As the Penguins prepare for the upcoming season, the combination of experienced coaching, promising prospects, and a legendary captain sets the stage for an exciting year ahead. The franchise’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect, from player development to international representation.