Penguins Coaching Staff Welcomes David Quinn
Earlier 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 in which he has considerable expertise.
David Quinn’s Coaching Background
Quinn’s coaching resume spans over 30 years, showcasing his extensive experience in the NHL and international hockey. He has previously served as the head coach of the New York Rangers from 2018 to 2021 and the San Jose Sharks from 2022 to 2024. Under his leadership, two defensemen—Adam Fox and Erik Karlsson—captured the prestigious Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s best defenseman, in the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons, respectively. This achievement highlights Quinn’s ability to develop and mentor top-tier talent on the blue line.
Beyond the NHL, Quinn has a rich history with Team USA, having coached the national team at various international competitions. Most recently, he led the U.S. teams at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships and the 2022 Olympic Games. His experience also includes serving as an assistant coach at three World Championships and the 2005 World Junior Championship. Notably, he played a role in guiding the U.S. Women’s National Team to two 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, joins the Penguins after spending five seasons with the San Jose Sharks organization. In his NHL career, he has played 81 games, recording three goals and nine assists. The 6-foot-3, 222-pound blueliner has also seen action in the AHL, where he has tallied four goals and 17 assists in 92 games. A native of Kemerovo, Russia, Knyzhov represented his country at the 2018 World Junior Championship.
Richardson, 25, has split the last two seasons between the AHL and ECHL, showcasing his skills with the Belleville Senators and Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Last season, he posted impressive numbers with Greenville, going 7-1-1 with 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 Queen’s University in USports.
2024 NHL Draft Highlights
The Penguins made headlines during 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 selected in the second round.
Brunicke has played parts of three seasons with the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL, where he recorded 10 goals and 11 assists in 49 games last season. He also represented Team Canada at the World Under-18 Championship, contributing one goal and four points in seven games.
Howe, drafted 46th overall, served as captain of the Regina Pats last season, amassing 28 goals and 49 assists in 68 games. Over his junior career, he has tallied 92 goals and 141 assists in 207 games. Howe also participated in two World Under-18 Championships with Team Canada, winning a bronze medal in 2023.
In addition to Brunicke and Howe, the Penguins selected defenseman Chase Pietila in the fourth round, Joona Vaisanen in the sixth round, and forwards Mac Swanson and Finn Harding in the seventh round. Harding, selected 223rd overall, has spent the last two seasons with the Mississauga Steelheads, recording 10 goals and 24 assists in 68 games last season.
Prospects Challenge Success
The Penguins’ prospects showcased their talent at the 2024 Prospects Challenge in Buffalo, finishing with a perfect 3-0 record and winning the tournament for the second consecutive year.
In their opening game against the Boston Bruins, the Penguins overcame an early 3-1 deficit, scoring five unanswered goals to secure a 6-3 victory. Tristan Broz stood out with two goals, contributing to a strong team performance.
The following day, Pittsburgh faced the Ottawa Senators, where three second-period goals propelled them to a 4-1 win. Jack Beck and Atley Calvert each recorded multiple points, further solidifying the Penguins’ dominance in the tournament.
Capping off the weekend, the Penguins faced the Buffalo Sabres, delivering a tournament-high eight-goal performance. Atley Calvert shone with a hat trick, while Broz also contributed significantly with four points in the game.
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 on September 16. This deal, which runs through the 2026-27 season, carries an average annual value of $8.7 million.
Crosby, a three-time Stanley Cup Champion, is set to enter his franchise-record 20th season with the Penguins and his 18th as captain. He is second only to Steve Yzerman in terms of the longest-tenured captain in NHL history. Crosby holds numerous franchise records, including games played, even-strength goals, and game-winning goals, and ranks among the top players in NHL history in various statistical categories.
International Coaching Representation
The Penguins’ coaching staff will also be well-represented 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 Men’s Olympic Hockey Team. David Quinn will serve as an assistant coach for Team USA at the Four Nations Face-Off.
The 2025 Four Nations Face-Off will feature NHL players from the U.S., Canada, Finland, and Sweden, taking place from February 12-20, 2025, in Boston and Montreal. The 2026 Olympic Games will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6-22, 2026.
Sullivan’s experience in international coaching is extensive, having previously served as an assistant coach at the 2006 Olympics and as head coach at the 2007 World Championship. His upcoming role marks another chapter in his impressive coaching career, which includes a successful tenure with the Penguins.
A Promising Season Ahead
With a revamped coaching staff, promising prospects, and a franchise cornerstone like Sidney Crosby continuing to lead the way, the Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season. The combination of experienced leadership and emerging talent sets the stage for a competitive year in the NHL.