Jack Quinn hasn’t been able to find his footing recently in a Sabres uniform, as his struggles on and off the ice continue. Besides missing time due to injuries, and struggling to get on the stat sheet, Quinn is now facing disciplinary issues off the ice.
Quinn was kept out of Saturday’s game against the Wild after he missed the team's morning meeting. Quinn may see himself back in the lineup for Sunday’s game against Winnipeg, but who knows what Ruff has planned for him.
“Over the years of coaching, I’ve seen it numerous times,” Ruff said. “So it’s not alarming but it is inexcusable.”
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It seems that Quinn has been frustrated with his playing time and the line he is being put on as of late. He started the year on 3rd line with Ryan McLeod, but McLeod was quickly sent to the second line with Tuch and Zucker.
Since then he has yet to find solid linemates and was recently paired with Peyton Krebs and Brett Murray the other night. I believe his skipping of the morning meeting was a sign of frustration with how his year has gone.
What’s next for Jack Quinn
With Quinn frustrated about his current time in Buffalo, and his contract running out, I think it is better if the Sabres let him go during free agency. I think Quinn still has plenty of potential as the 23-year-old has 10 goals in 60 games this season.
However, that potential just won’t come out as he is displeased with his current situation. Earlier in the year, I had Jack Quinn going to the Anaheim Ducks in a possible trade deadline deal, and I think Quinn would still flourish on another young team.
It is tough to tell, as Quinn is starting to tank his value with actions such as these as the offseason approaches, and with the Sabres needing to sign numerous players, Quinn shouldn’t be on that list.
The Sabres are better off moving on and giving another young guy a chance like Isak Rosen, or they should use his money to help re-sign a guy like JJ Peterka or Bowen Byram. Quinn will have a lot to learn in the next step of his career, whether it is in Buffalo or elsewhere.
For now, Quinn needs to finish the year strong and help guide the Sabres into next year on a high note.