(Header/feature image courtesy of Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet has officially completed his coaching staff, adding two respected names to help guide Philadelphia into its next chapter.

On Friday, the Flyers announced the hiring of Todd Reirden as assistant coach and Dylan Crawford as assistant/video coach, joining Jaroslav Svejkovsky and Jay Varady to form Tocchet’s trusted team.

“I’m happy to have rounded out my coaching staff by bringing Todd and Dylan on board,” Tocchet said in a statement. “Todd’s extensive experience across all levels of coaching, as well as his success throughout his career, will play a pivotal role in all facets of our game. Dylan adds another level to our video team in an area that is rapidly expanding and becoming more critical in the outcome of games and the way teams prepare.”

There’s plenty of reason for Tocchet’s enthusiasm. Reirden, 53, brings 14 years of NHL coaching experience and a proven track record in sharpening defensive groups and special teams. Most recently, he served as associate and assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2020 to 2024, overseeing the Penguins’ defense corps and power play. Before that, Reirden spent six seasons with the Washington Capitals—including a Stanley Cup championship in 2018.

Reirden’s addition could be a crucial piece for the Flyers, whose defense has seen growing pains amid roster transitions and prospect integrations. His experience in managing elite defensemen and steadying back ends will be vital as Philadelphia continues to mold its young talent into NHL regulars.

Crawford, meanwhile, represents the new wave of NHL coaching—where video and analytics play an ever-larger role in game preparation. The 35-year-old spent the last three seasons working alongside Tocchet in Vancouver, where his attention to detail and modern approach to video analysis earned high praise. With seven years of experience in video coaching, Crawford will help ensure the Flyers are prepared for every angle and nuance of the fast-changing NHL game.

Together, Reirden and Crawford give Tocchet a staff with a balance of experience, innovation, and familiarity. As the Flyers aim to turn promise into progress, this staff will be tasked with building a structure that maximizes the potential of an evolving roster.

Now, with the bench set, the work truly begins.