NHL goalie will play until 40 after contract extension

WINNIPEG − Jonathan Quick will extend his Hall-of-Fame worthy career for at least one more season.

The New York Rangers and their backup goalie have agreed to a one-year contract extension, the team announced Wednesday. It will carry a $1.55 million salary cap hit, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, who spoke to lohud.com, part of the USA TODAY Network, on the condition of anonymity because terms weren’t announced.

Quick, who turned 39 in January, will now have a chance to play until he’s 40. He’s getting that opportunity because he has revived his career in New York the past seasons as the No. 2 behind Igor Shesterkin, who signed a goalie-record contract extension in December.

Quick’s numbers have dipped a bit this season, with a 9-6-2 record, .896 save percentage and 3.14 goals against average. But he’s playing behind one of the NHL’s worst defenses and has had nights when he has carried them, with three shutouts across his 17 starts.

Another important factor is the Milford, Connecticut native’s positive influence on a locker room that has had a turbulent season with fractured leadership and lots of change. Several players have pointed to Quick as a calming presence and behind-the-scenes mentor who has helped fill the void left by departed captain Jacob Trouba, particularly when it comes to the Rangers’ youth.