Multiple reports confirm that the Philadelphia Flyers are nearing a deal to name Rick Tocchet as the team’s next head coach.

While the move has not yet been finalized and there are still procedural steps to complete, it’s now essentially a matter of when—not if—the hiring becomes official.

Tocchet has been widely viewed as the Flyers’ top target throughout their coaching search, with insiders like Elliotte Friedman and Darren Dreger reporting in recent days that Philadelphia was aggressively pursuing the former Flyer.

Other candidates under consideration included interim head coach Brad Shaw and NCAA national champion bench boss Pat Ferschweiler, but Tocchet has remained at the forefront of discussions.

Known for his no-nonsense leadership style and ability to connect with players, Tocchet has emerged as one of the most sought-after coaching options this offseason, with interest also coming from teams like Seattle and Boston. However, the Flyers appear to have won out.

This marks a potential homecoming for Tocchet, who played 11 seasons with Philadelphia and has remained a beloved figure in the organization. After coaching stints in Tampa Bay and Arizona, and his most recent stop being Vancouver, Tocchet is poised to take over a young Flyers team entering a critical stage of its rebuild.

While the hire isn’t official yet, all indications suggest an announcement could come in the coming days. The story remains fluid, but the Flyers and Tocchet are on the brink of a reunion.