Jonathan Quick Receives Prestigious ‘Mr. Ranger’ Award Honoring Rod Gilbert: ‘It’s Truly Special’
While the New York Rangers suffered a tough 5-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday, there was still a reason to celebrate at Madison Square Garden. Before the game, veteran goaltender Jonathan Quick was honored with the Rod Gilbert Mr. Ranger Award.
Presented by Rod Gilbert’s widow, Judy, the award recognizes the Rangers player who best embodies Gilbert’s legacy through leadership on and off the ice, along with a strong commitment to community service. Gilbert, a Hall of Famer and Rangers icon, passed away in 2021. The award was created in his memory.
For Quick, who grew up a Rangers fan in Milford, Connecticut, and looked up to goalie Mike Richter, the honor carries deep personal meaning.
“It’s an incredible honor,” Quick said after the game. “I know what this award means and the kind of legacy Rod left behind. It’s truly special.”
Gilbert spent his entire NHL career (1960–1977) with the Rangers, finishing with franchise-best marks in goals (406) and points (1,021). His No. 7 jersey was the first retired by the team. Following his playing days, Gilbert served the organization for over three decades in community outreach and charitable work, becoming a beloved figure in the Rangers family.
Previous winners of the award include Chris Kreider (2021-22), Jacob Trouba (2022-23), and Adam Fox (2023-24).
Quick was caught by surprise by the announcement. Even as Judy Gilbert hinted the award would go to a goaltender, Quick assumed she meant teammate Igor Shesterkin. “When she said her husband would have a hard time scoring on this goalie, I thought she was talking about ‘Shesty,’” he said with a smile.
Now in the twilight of his career, Quick has already secured a one-year contract extension with the Rangers. He’ll turn 40 next season and has racked up a long list of achievements: two Stanley Cups with the Kings (2012, 2014), a Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2012, and a third Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.
While he’s never won the Vezina Trophy, Quick has twice claimed the Jennings Trophy for fewest goals allowed and recently surpassed 400 career wins — tying Grant Fuhr for 13th all-time. He is the winningest American-born goaltender in NHL history and is considered a future Hall of Famer.
Receiving the Mr. Ranger Award is another meaningful chapter in a legendary career.
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