Rick Tocchet’s name is back in NHL coaching conversations, and this time, it’s Boston fans who are buzzing. According to multiple reports, the former Vancouver Canucks head coach has surfaced as a potential replacement for Jim Montgomery, whom the Bruins let go late last year.
Speculation kicked off when Sports Illustrated mentioned Tocchet among possible candidates. It didn’t take long for the rumor to gain steam, especially on Reddit, where hockey fans are never shy about sharing opinions. Some see him as a logical fit for the Bruins. Others? Not so much.
Bruins Reportedly Eye Rick Tocchet for Head Coach Role
Fueling the chatter was veteran Vancouver radio host Rick Dhaliwal, who recently mentioned on air that Boston could be making a move for Tocchet. “He’s a real Boston guy,” Dhaliwal said, pointing to Tocchet’s gritty coaching style and past stint with the team during the 1990s.
The comparison to Bruins legend, and now team president, Cam Neely wasn’t lost on longtime fans.
Still, not all reactions have been warm. One Reddit user bluntly posted, “Please stop taking the Canucks’ rejects.” That post quickly made the rounds, tapping into a lingering frustration among Bruins supporters who feel burned by past moves involving former Vancouver personnel.
Tocchet left his role with the Canucks earlier this year, reportedly to prioritize family and weigh his next steps. He’s no rookie in the coaching world, though. His recent success, highlighted by a 2024 Jack Adams Award and a Pacific Division title, makes him an appealing option.
On top of that, he’s a three-time Stanley Cup winner, with one championship as a player and two as an assistant behind the bench in Pittsburgh.
Boston Weighs Its Options
The Bruins are currently navigating a key transition. After parting ways with Montgomery and naming Joe Sacco interim head coach, the team is clearly seeking someone with a steady hand and a sharp mind to guide a retooling roster. Veterans are aging out, younger players are stepping up, and the front office needs a coach who can bridge that gap.
Tocchet might just fit the bill. But Boston’s not the only team circling.
According to The Daily Faceoff and ClutchPoints, several other NHL franchises, including the Flyers, Penguins, and Ducks, have expressed interest. The Kraken and Islanders might also enter the picture, depending on how their offseasons shake out.
Tocchet’s coaching journey spans nearly two decades and includes stops in Tampa Bay, Arizona, and, most recently, Vancouver. He’s also served as an assistant with Pittsburgh, Colorado, and Phoenix. His career record of 286–265–87 suggests he’s been through more rebuilds and mid-season shakeups than most.
Before Anaheim locked in Joel Quenneville, Tocchet was reportedly one of the final names in the mix. That interest hasn’t gone away.
Sources close to the Bruins say the team would strongly consider Tocchet—if they can secure an interview. That meeting might happen soon, potentially around his upcoming NHL on TNT appearance.
The familiarity is there. Tocchet wore the spoked B for a brief stretch in the ‘90s and skated alongside Neely, who now helps call the shots in Boston’s front office. For a team looking to reset without rebuilding from the ground up, those ties could carry weight.
As of now, at least six NHL clubs are still hunting for new head coaches. Tocchet’s name keeps popping up for good reason. Whether Bruins fans are ready to buy in remains to be seen—but like it or not, he’s part of the conversation.