Mystery surrounds Boston U. coach and the Rangers job

The status of Boston University coach David Quinn’s candidacy to succeed Alain Vigneault behind the Rangers’ bench is a mystery.

Quinn, according to two sources, has told friends he is remaining at BU. But a third source told The Post the coach has not informed Rangers management he is no longer in the running for the job.

While the Rangers have not offered the position to Quinn following an interview, a source has indicated the BU coach remains on the club’s list. University of Denver coach Jim Montgomery also was on the list until he accepted an offer Wednesday from the Stars. Montgomery had not been offered the Rangers’ job, either.

This would seem to indicate general manager Jeff Gorton is waiting to interview a coach or coaches currently under contract and working in either the NHL or AHL playoffs before reaching a decision.

It is unknown whether Quinn, who has been named to coach Team USA in the 2019 World Juniors (a position from which he would withdraw if he comes to New York), is willing to wait out the process.

Among potential candidates, Sheldon Keefe of the Marlies is working in the second round of the AHL playoffs; Todd Nelson’s Grand Rapids team was just eliminated in the first round; and Joe Sacco, former coach of the Avalanche, is working as an assistant with the Bruins. The Blueshirts would have interest in Columbus assistant Brad Shaw, but it is uncertain whether the Blue Jackets would grant permission to talk to John Tortorella’s heir apparent.

Another name is Scott Gordon, the former Islanders coach, whose Lehigh Valley Phantoms are in the second round after winning the AHL Atlantic Division.

Gordon has a history with Gorton, coaching Boston’s AHL Providence affiliate for four years while the current Rangers GM served as Boston’s assistant GM. Gordon was considered a rising star when hired by the Islanders in 2008, but lasted just over two years, going 64-94-23 without making the playoffs before he was replaced by Jack Capuano early in 2010-11.

The Rangers agreed to terms with free-agent forward Ville Meskanen. The 22-year-old collected 24 goals and 20 assists in 48 games this past season for Ilves in the Finnish Elite League.