Rick Tocchet may not be off the bench for long. The former Vancouver Canucks head coach is reportedly being pursued by several NHL teams, with an announcement on his next move possibly arriving later this week. TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that three franchises, the Philadelphia Flyers, the Boston Bruins, and the Seattle Kraken, have emerged as serious contenders.
Flyers, Bruins, Kraken in Mix for Rick Tocchet
According to Dreger, there’s growing confidence that Tocchet will soon take on a new coaching role. The Flyers appear especially determined to bring him back, a move that would bring Tocchet’s career full circle.
While Tocchet’s final decision remains up in the air, he seems to be a hot commodity. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman noted that Tocchet has already had discussions with several organizations, though he hasn’t leaned strongly toward any single option. Friedman added that it feels like Tocchet is weighing the teams, not the other way around.
Philadelphia holds a special place in Tocchet’s career. Drafted by the Flyers in 1983, he logged over 600 games with the franchise and once wore the captain’s “C.” A return would blend both sentiment and strategy.
Boston is also in the conversation. After a disappointing season under an interim setup, the Bruins are reportedly looking for someone with a stronger track record. Although contract figures haven’t been confirmed, it’s believed Boston might not match the $4 million per year Tocchet declined from Vancouver.
Seattle, meanwhile, is considered an underdog in the race. The Kraken have supposedly made an offer, but Tocchet, who left Vancouver to be closer to family, may be reluctant to head back west.
A Coaching Decision That Could Shift the Market
Tocchet stepped away from the Canucks after his contract expired at the end of the 2024–25 season. Though Vancouver had the option to extend him, he chose not to renew. Under his watch, the Canucks won the Pacific Division in 2023–24, and Tocchet was honored with the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year.
His résumé spans nearly a decade as a head coach, with prior roles in Tampa Bay, Arizona, and Vancouver. Tocchet also contributed as an assistant coach to Pittsburgh’s Stanley Cup wins in 2016 and 2017, building a 286-265-87 record across nine seasons.
Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli believes Tocchet could be in line for multiple major offers. Some estimates project a deal worth around $6 million annually over five years, figures that could raise the standard for coaching salaries league-wide.
While coaching seems to be the likeliest next step, some insiders speculate Tocchet could consider a return to media if none of the opportunities feel right. He’s already done some brief TV work since leaving the Canucks.
Whatever direction he chooses, Rick Tocchet remains one of the most respected minds in hockey. And whichever team secures his services may end up reshaping more than just their coaching staff.