Broadway Bench Reboot: Rangers Welcome New Coaches David Quinn, Joe Sacco, and Ty Hennes to Lead Next Chapter…see more…
A new era is dawning on Broadway as the New York Rangers officially welcome a trio of experienced and respected coaches — David Quinn, Joe Sacco, and Ty Hennes — to their revamped coaching staff. The announcement, made earlier this week by team president and general manager Chris Drury, signals a bold strategic shift aimed at injecting fresh ideas, sharpening player development, and positioning the Rangers as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender once again.
With fans reeling from a disappointing early playoff exit this past season and a team loaded with star talent yet inconsistent performances, the front office has acted decisively. The hiring of these three coaches — all with deep NHL pedigrees — is both a nod to the organization’s storied history and a calculated move toward an even more competitive future.
David Quinn Returns to Broadway
Perhaps the most eye-catching name in the announcement is David Quinn, who returns to the Rangers bench after previously serving as head coach from 2018 to 2021. His first stint with the Blueshirts saw him shepherd the team through a transitional period that included a rebuild and the integration of young stars like Kaapo Kakko and Adam Fox. Though Quinn’s first go-around ended without a playoff series win, his familiarity with the Rangers organization — and the growth he’s undergone since — made him an attractive candidate for a return.
After leaving New York, Quinn coached Team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics and later served as head coach of the San Jose Sharks. While San Jose struggled on the ice, Quinn was widely credited with helping develop young players under difficult circumstances.
“I’ve grown as a coach since I last stood behind the bench at Madison Square Garden,” said Quinn during his introductory press conference on Tuesday. “I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to come back. This team is built to win now, and I’m honored to be part of that journey again.”
According to sources close to the team, Quinn’s new role will focus more on player development and systems, particularly in helping fine-tune the defensive unit and transition game — two areas the Rangers have struggled with in high-pressure playoff situations.
Joe Sacco Brings Stability and Stanley Cup Experience
Alongside Quinn comes veteran bench boss Joe Sacco, a former NHL player and long-time assistant coach with the Boston Bruins. Sacco brings with him over a decade of NHL coaching experience, including a stint as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche from 2009 to 2013. He most recently served as an assistant with the Bruins under Bruce Cassidy and Jim Montgomery, helping lead the team to consistent playoff appearances and a Presidents’ Trophy.
Sacco’s reputation as a detail-oriented strategist and his familiarity with elite defensive systems are expected to be a significant boost for the Rangers’ coaching staff. In Boston, he was particularly known for his work with penalty killing units and defensive pairings — a specialty that could prove invaluable to a Rangers team that struggled with defensive zone exits and shorthanded consistency last season.
“Joe Sacco has coached at the highest levels, and he understands what it takes to compete deep into the playoffs,” said GM Chris Drury. “His ability to connect with players and bring clarity to our defensive systems will be critical.”
Sacco is expected to work closely with Quinn and head coach Peter Laviolette in refining the team’s structure, while also mentoring younger players like Braden Schneider and Zac Jones as they continue to find their footing at the NHL level.
Ty Hennes Joins from Pittsburgh with Development Expertise
Rounding out the coaching additions is Ty Hennes, a name that might be less familiar to casual fans but is well-respected inside NHL circles. Hennes joins the Rangers after spending several years in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, where he served as a highly regarded skills and development coach. In that role, he worked with both the NHL squad and minor league affiliates, helping players refine technique, stickhandling, and on-ice decision-making.
Hennes has built a reputation as one of the league’s best at individual skill development and personalized training regimens. Players like Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust credited him with helping them elevate their offensive games. For a Rangers roster that includes a mix of high-end veterans and still-maturing young talents, Hennes’s presence could be transformative.
“Ty’s work in Pittsburgh was innovative and extremely effective,” said Laviolette. “He’s got a way of working one-on-one with players that builds confidence and sharpens their game. His arrival here is going to give our forwards, especially the younger guys, a real edge.”
Hennes is expected to work closely with Alexis Lafrenière, Will Cuylle, and Brennan Othmann — three forwards who have shown promise but are looking to take the next step in becoming reliable scoring threats at the NHL level.
Fans React to the Overhaul
Reactions across Rangers Nation have been largely positive, with fans welcoming the change and praising the front office for acting proactively rather than reactively. The trio’s balance of experience, familiarity with player development, and deep tactical knowledge has many hopeful that the Rangers’ current core — led by Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, and Igor Shesterkin — will finally break through the playoff barrier that has plagued them in recent seasons.
“I like it,” said longtime season-ticket holder Jeff Meyers outside Madison Square Garden. “Quinn got a raw deal the first time. Bringing him back, and pairing him with a guy like Sacco and a development specialist like Hennes, shows they’re serious about winning now and building for the future.”
Social media also lit up with excitement. On X (formerly Twitter), user @BroadwayBlueline posted: “Quinn 2.0, Sacco stability, and Hennes innovation. If this doesn’t spark something, nothing will. Let’s go #NYR!”
Looking Ahead
With the NHL Draft and free agency looming, the Rangers’ restructured coaching staff will soon have their first real challenge: preparing for development camp and integrating new faces into the fold. With high expectations entering the 2025–26 season and a roster built to compete, the spotlight will be on this newly assembled coaching unit from day one.
Whether these moves pay off will ultimately depend on performance in April and May. But for now, there’s a palpable sense of optimism that the Rangers — under the guidance of a revitalized coaching team — may finally have the leadership they need to bring the Stanley Cup back to New York.
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