Quick Set for Final NHL Start as a Legendary 19-Year Career Comes to a Close
Jonathan Quick, goaltender with the Los Angeles Kings during a playoff game on April 22, 2016. Photo credits: Mark Mauno
Written By Gina Anton
Jonathan Quick’s remarkable NHL career is set to come to an emotional close tonight, as the veteran goaltender takes the ice for the final time following 19 unforgettable seasons.
Few players at the position have defined an era quite like Quick. Known for his explosive athleticism, clutch playoff performances, and unrelenting competitiveness, he built a legacy that will be remembered long after he leaves the game. Over the course of his career, Quick amassed more than 400 wins, ranking among the top goaltenders in NHL history, and became the winningest American-born goalie ever, a milestone that cemented his place in the record books.
Across 800+ regular-season appearances, Quick posted a career record of roughly 410 wins, 65 shutouts, a 2.51 goals-against average, and a .910 save percentage, numbers that reflect both longevity and elite performance.
In the playoffs, where his reputation was truly forged, he elevated his game even further, delivering a .921 save percentage and 2.31 GAA while backstopping multiple deep postseason runs.
As the season wound down, the reality of retirement began to settle in, though not without some internal hesitation.
Quick told reporters on Monday that he's known for a while that this would be his last season in the NHL.
"With the ups and downs of the season, you don't really want to admit it to yourself, you know? So as we kind of got towards the end of the season here, I let Chris [Drury] know and [Mike Sullivan] know. Just so they can plan accordingly," he said. "I'm grateful for them. They've helped me out through this process. And let me know games I'm going to start so I can make sure to get the family there and stuff like that."
That glimpse into his mindset reflects the humility that has defined Quick throughout his career. Even in stepping away, his focus remained on the team, giving management time to prepare while making sure those closest to him could be part of the moment.
Tonight’s game won’t just mark the end of a season, it will mark the end of an era. Quick leaves the NHL as a three-time Stanley Cup champion, a Conn Smythe winner, and one of the most respected goaltenders of his generation.
When the final buzzer sounds, it will close the book on a career defined by resilience, brilliance under pressure, and a standard of excellence that few have matched.
