The disappointing 2024-25 regular season may be over for the Vancouver Canucks, but that hasn't brought an end to their ongoing drama.
On Tuesday, coach Rick Tocchet informed the Canucks he was not returning behind the bench, citing family reasons.
Adam Proteau observes it's the latest blow in a season that has derailed the Canucks' aspirations to become a Western Conference powerhouse following last season's strong performance. Tocchet's departure adds to the growing uncertainty that management faces in what will be among the most consequential off-seasons in franchise history.
Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre believes finding a suitable replacement for Tocchet is now the Canucks' priority. The new coach must also be able to work well with captain Quinn Hughes, who thrived under Tocchet's guidance.
Hughes, 25, is two years away from UFA eligibility unless he and the Canucks agree to a contract extension starting next July. MacIntyre suggests Tocchet's exit make the defenseman's departure next summer seems a lot more likely, meaning the Canucks could trade him if he's unwilling to stay.
Ben Kuzma of The Province listed several potential replacements. Topping the list was former Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, who knows Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford well from the latter's days as Penguins GM. However, Rutherford indicated his friend Sullivan prefers to remain in the Eastern Conference.
Carol Schram included former New York Rangers coach Peter Laviolette and Manny Malhotra on her list of candidates. Malhotra coaches the Canucks' AHL affiliate in Abbotsford. MacIntyre speculated they might talk to assistant coach Adam Foote, whose contract recently expired. However, he thinks Foote will follow Tocchet where he ends up.
Vancouver Canucks' Six Potential Replacements For Coach Rick Tocchet
In the end, it came down to more than just money for Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet.
As for Tocchet, he's said to be considering his options. Jordan Hall of NBC Sports Philadelphia cited recent speculation linking the former Canucks coach to the Flyers. Hall pointed out Tocchet's former connection to the Flyers as a beloved former player and his Jack Adams Award credentials, but noted that he lacks the experience of someone like Sullivan.
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