Quintin Laing

Career

Quintin Laing was originally picked in the draft by the Detroit Red Wings, but his first NHL action came with the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2003-2004 season, where he appeared in just three games. Most of his career has been spent in the minors, notably with the Hershey Bears, where he earned a reputation for his strong work ethic and dedication. In early 2010, he signed with the Abbotsford Heat, the AHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames.

Laing’s big break came during the 2007-2008 season when the Washington Capitals called him up to fill in for an injured Boyd Gordon, specifically for his penalty-killing skills. On his way to the airport, he made a personal vow to treat every shift like it could be his last. He made an immediate impression, and his hard work paid off when he kept his spot on the roster even after Gordon recovered. He scored his first NHL goal on December 10, 2007, a game-winner against New Jersey Devils goalie Kevin Weekes. But Laing was best known for his shot-blocking, leading the league in blocked shots per game for much of that season. When he was on the ice, opponents scored fewer goals and took fewer shots per sixty minutes than against any other Capital. That year, the Capitals nominated him for the Masterton Trophy, which honors perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

His teammates praised his commitment. Capitals winger Brooks Laich called him a heart-and-soul player who throws his body in front of pucks relentlessly and does the little things that lead to wins. Goalie Brent Johnson described him as an old-time hockey player, noting that while fans love scoring, goalies appreciate guys like Laing. Johnson recalled Laing blocking a shot with his chest and told him that if he kept that up, he would stick around.

On October 6, 2008, the Capitals placed Laing on waivers and sent him to their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, because the team had too many forwards. Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said it was one of the hardest cuts he ever had to make, explaining that Laing was so proud to be a Washington Capital.