Rick Tocchet steps away as Vancouver Canucks head coach after turbulent season
After discussions with the Vancouver Canucks management, it has been announced that Rick Tocchet will not be returning as the head coach for the upcoming season. In a statement released by the team, Tocchet expressed his decision to step away, citing family as a priority and the opportune timing with his contract coming to an end.
Tocchet took over as the Canucks head coach on Jan. 22, 2023, and had a successful tenure with a record of 108-65-27. Despite the team having the option to keep him for another season, Vancouver’s president of hockey operations, Jim Rutherford, revealed that they would not be exercising that option. However, the team expressed interest in negotiating to keep Tocchet behind the bench.
In a statement, Rutherford expressed disappointment over Tocchet’s decision but respected his choice to explore other opportunities in hockey. He acknowledged Tocchet’s contributions to the organization and thanked him for his efforts. Tocchet’s leadership led the Canucks to their first playoff appearance in four seasons last year, where they were eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers in a tough seven-game series.
The 61-year-old former NHL winger had an impressive coaching career, winning the Jack Adams award as the league’s top coach last season. He also served as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February. Despite the success, the Canucks faced challenges during the 2024-25 campaign, finishing with a record of 38-30-14 and missing the playoffs by six points.
One of the issues the team faced was a rift between star forwards J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson, which impacted their on-ice performance. The Canucks attempted to address the situation by trading Miller to the New York Rangers, but Pettersson struggled to regain his form. Additionally, injuries to key players like Quinn Hughes and Thatcher Demko further hampered the team’s performance throughout the season.
Despite the challenges, Rutherford commended Tocchet and his staff for navigating through difficult situations and expressed a desire to see him return as the head coach. Tocchet’s experience as a player and coach in the NHL, including winning a Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1992, has earned him respect and admiration from his players.
Players like Conor Garland, who has played under Tocchet in both Arizona and Vancouver, praised his impact on their development both on and off the ice. Garland credited Tocchet for helping him grow as a player and navigate the challenges of professional hockey.
As Tocchet embarks on a new chapter in his hockey career, the Vancouver Canucks will begin the search for a new head coach to lead the team in the upcoming season. Tocchet’s departure marks the end of an era for the Canucks, but his legacy as a respected coach and mentor will continue to influence the players he has worked with.
