Rick Tocchet Poised to Take Helm as Flyers’ Head Coach
In a move that has the hockey world buzzing, the Philadelphia Flyers are on the verge of appointing Rick Tocchet as their new head coach. Sources confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday that the deal is nearing completion, with Tocchet set to become one of the highest-paid coaches in the NHL. The Flyers are currently navigating the final stages of approval, and an official announcement is anticipated later this week.
For those familiar with the Flyers’ storied history, Tocchet’s name is already etched in the annals of the franchise. The 61-year-old is a member of the Flyers Hall of Fame, having spent parts of 11 seasons with the team during his impressive 18-year playing career. His return to Philadelphia, this time behind the bench, marks a significant chapter in the team’s ongoing rebuild.
The Flyers have been in a rebuilding phase, having missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. The team parted ways with John Tortorella in March due to philosophical differences with the front office. Brad Shaw stepped in as interim coach, but the Flyers ended the season with a 33-39-10 record, tied for last place in the Eastern Conference.
Tocchet’s coaching credentials are well-established. He recently stepped down as coach of the Vancouver Canucks after his three-year contract expired. During his tenure, Tocchet was a sought-after figure in the coaching market, with the Seattle Kraken and the Anaheim Ducks expressing interest. However, the Ducks ultimately hired Joel Quenneville, and the Boston Bruins also had Tocchet high on their list.
Interestingly, Tocchet was contemplating a return to television, having been a regular on TNT’s coverage before joining the Canucks. He even made appearances during the 2024-25 Stanley Cup playoffs. However, the allure of coaching the Flyers seems to have won out.
His departure from Vancouver came just a year after winning the Jack Adams Award. The Canucks faced a tumultuous season, including the trade of center JT Miller to the New York Rangers, and ultimately missed the playoffs by six points. Tocchet’s coaching journey has also included stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Arizona Coyotes, boasting a career NHL coaching record of 286-265-87 in the regular season and 11-11 in the playoffs.
As the Flyers prepare to usher in a new era under Tocchet’s leadership, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his coaching style will mesh with the team’s current roster. The Flyers’ faithful are hopeful that Tocchet’s return will spark a resurgence and lead the team back to playoff contention.
- Rick Tocchet is set to become one of the highest-paid coaches in the NHL.
- The Flyers have missed the playoffs for five consecutive seasons.
- Tocchet’s coaching record stands at 286-265-87 in the regular season.
- He has previously coached the Tampa Bay Lightning and Arizona Coyotes.
Daily Faceoff was the first to report that Tocchet and the Flyers were close to a deal. As the hockey community awaits the official announcement, the anticipation is palpable. Will Tocchet be the catalyst for change that the Flyers desperately need? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Flyers’ future just got a lot more interesting.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com