Rangers HC Mike Sullivan makes bold claim about 40-year-old star - "He's a first-ballot hall of famer"

New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan had high praise for veteran goaltender Jonathan Quick. The 39-year-old continues to impress with strong performance early in the 2025-26 season. Despite his age and limited starts, Quick remains a key presence in the locker room and on the ice. His experience has provided the Rangers with stability when called upon behind Igor Shesterkin.

Speaking to the media after Friday's 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings, Sullivan praised Quick, who made 32 out of 33 saves. Sullivan called Quick a fierce competitor and said he deserves Hall of Fame consideration.

"He's just a fierce competitor," Sullivan said. "You know, he's a—he's an ultimate competitor. I think he's a first-ballot Hall of Famer, if you ask me, you know, the way he competes, you know, and I just think that's an example of it. Just the second effort, you know, and he was incredible in there.

"What he's able to accomplish, you know, at 40 years old, he continues to do it. I think he loves the game. He loves He loves playing goal. And, you know, we see it every day in practice, and he's just keeping himself ready. And he's just a gamer."

Quick has started four games this season, winning three and posting a .950 save percentage. He has allowed one goal or fewer in three of his four appearances.

Jonathan Quick's special shutout for Rangers' in 2025

In late October, Jonathan Quick recorded a 23-save shutout in a 2-0 win over the Vancouver Canucks. It was his 64th career shutout, tying Rangers legend Henrik Lundqvist for 17th on the NHL’s all-time list.

"Any time your name is in a category with Hank, it's special," Quick said about Lundqvist, via NHL."But at the end of the day, it's a much needed two points, and hopefully we can build off this game."

Even Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko praised him, saying Quick was his idol growing up in San Diego.

"He was my idol," Demko said, the same day. "I grew up in San Diego, and he was kind of coming up through the ranks in L.A., and he was definitely a guy that I always idolized."

The Rangers currently sit fifth in the Metropolitan Division with a 7-6-2 record. Their defense has been one of the best in the league, allowing just 2.33 goals per game. However, their offense has struggled, and the power play ranks near the bottom at 12.8 percent.

With veteran leadership from players like Quick and defenseman Adam Fox, leading with 11 points, the Rangers aim to regain consistency.