Few names in hockey evoke as much respect across both the ice and the bench as Rick Tocchet. From his gritty, goal-scoring days in Philadelphia to his award-winning coaching stint in Vancouver, Tocchet has carved out a reputation as one of the NHL’s most dynamic minds. But now, after stepping away from the Vancouver Canucks in April 2025, the big question is: what’s next for Rick Tocchet?
A Player Built for Philadelphia
Tocchet’s NHL journey began in 1983, when the Philadelphia Flyers selected him 121st overall in the sixth round. He quickly made an impression—not just with his fists, but with his skill. Known as one of the toughest power forwards of his era, Tocchet recorded 232 goals and 508 points during his 11 seasons in Philadelphia. He also collected over 1,800 penalty minutes and a record 18 Gordie Howe hat tricks.
Tocchet helped lead the Flyers to two Stanley Cup Finals in the 1980s and became a fan favorite in a city that embraces blue-collar toughness. Though he won a Stanley Cup in 1992 with Pittsburgh, Tocchet’s heart never left Philly. He returned to finish his career with the Flyers and was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2021.
Early Coaching Years and Tampa Bay Experience
After retiring, Tocchet transitioned into coaching, first as an assistant with Colorado and then in Phoenix. His first shot at an NHL head coaching role came in 2008 with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Though the Lightning missed the playoffs during his two seasons, Tocchet played a key role in developing young stars like Steven Stamkos.
His stint in Tampa wasn’t about wins—it was about planting seeds. It was the first glimpse of his emphasis on accountability, defensive structure, and team culture.
Turning Around the Arizona Coyotes
In 2017, Tocchet took over a struggling Arizona Coyotes team and faced one of the toughest challenges in the league. With a limited budget and young roster, expectations were low—but Tocchet overdelivered.
He instilled a hard-nosed, defensive identity that brought the Coyotes to the 2020 playoffs for the first time in eight years. Under his leadership, players like Clayton Keller and Jakob Chychrun developed into cornerstones. Despite never reaching elite status in the standings, Tocchet earned widespread respect for extracting maximum effort from an underdog group.
His tenure in Arizona ended in 2021 with a 125–131–34 record, but the numbers don’t tell the full story. Tocchet built culture in the desert—and that’s no easy task.
A Resurgence in Vancouver
When Tocchet was hired by the Vancouver Canucks in January 2023, the team was in disarray. He replaced Bruce Boudreau and immediately implemented a more disciplined system. The turnaround was swift.
In 2023–24, the Canucks won the Pacific Division, and Tocchet earned the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year. He helped Quinn Hughes reach a new level and got Elias Pettersson to buy into a full 200-foot game. Thatcher Demko thrived in net.
But in 2024–25, the Canucks were bitten by the injury bug. The team missed the playoffs, and in a surprise twist, Tocchet declined a multi-year extension. He cited family and personal health as reasons for stepping away.
Still, many believe the door isn’t closed on coaching—not by a long shot.
Rick Tocchet’s Coaching Future: What’s Next?
Now that Tocchet is a free agent, the rumors are swirling.
On the May 12 episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman stated:
“Tocchet’s going to get calls. I know Boston has already reached out, and there’s some mutual interest there. Philly hasn’t closed the door, but it’s complicated. He’s in no rush, but he’s definitely going to land somewhere.”
Here are the top rumored destinations:
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Boston Bruins: Jim Montgomery’s job security is in question after back-to-back playoff disappointments. Tocchet’s structure-first mindset and bench presence make him a natural fit.
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Philadelphia Flyers: Tocchet returning to coach in Philadelphia would be a dream storyline, but insiders say the organization may prefer to promote internally.
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New York Islanders: With the Islanders undergoing a front office overhaul, Tocchet could emerge as a candidate once a new GM is installed.
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Media Opportunities: Tocchet is returning to TNT as an analyst for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, indicating he’s keeping doors open on multiple fronts.
Final Thoughts
Rick Tocchet is more than a coach or a former player—he’s a hockey mind with rare versatility. Whether he returns to a bench this offseason or waits for the perfect fit, it’s clear that Tocchet still has plenty to offer the NHL.
As fans and franchises wait to see what’s next, one thing’s for sure: Rick Tocchet’s name isn’t going away any time soon.
If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to share it and drop a comment with your thoughts. Which team should hire Rick Tocchet next?
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