A graduate of the QMJHL, Stephane Quintal played three years split between the Granby Bisons and the Hull Olympiques. Drafted 14th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, Quintal made his professional debut during the 1988-89 season. In his first season, Quintal split his time between the AHL's Maine Mariners and the Bruins.
The following season Quintal was in the NHL for keeps. During the 1991-92 season he bettered his career goals and assists marks while with the Bruins. His play attracted the attention of the St. Louis Blues, who traded for him and Craig Janney on February 7, 1992. Between the two teams, Quintal posted his first 20-point season. His stint with St. Louis lasted another full season before he was dealt to Winnipeg.
His stint with the Jets ended with an off-season trade to the Montreal Canadiens. His four seasons with Montreal culminated in a career year in 1998-99 for he reached 27 points, played in all 82 games and set a personal mark for penalty minutes. Quintal ended his four years in Montreal with a trip to the World Hockey Championship.
After Montreal Quintal had stints in New York with the Rangers and Chicago with the Blackhawks before returning to the Canadiens in the summer of 2001.