If you're a fan of the Philadelphia Flyers—or just someone tracking the league’s most intriguing coaching sweepstakes—you’ve probably had Rick Tocchet’s name on your radar for weeks.

Now, it might finally be time to circle it in ink.

According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, the former Vancouver Canucks bench boss is closing in on his next gig.

In a tweet that instantly lit up the hockey world, Dreger wrote: “Strong indications this week Rick Tocchet will soon land another NHL head coaching job. Philly, Boston, Seattle believed to be among the top contenders. The Flyers want to be aggressive. Good fit.”

This isn’t the first time Tocchet and Philly have been linked, and it likely won’t be the last until something official drops. The former Flyer, who built a career on grit, leadership, and a fierce two-way game, has become one of the hottest coaching names on the market. But unlike most offseason searches where teams are doing the hunting, Tocchet seems to be the one holding the flashlight.

As Elliotte Friedman noted on this week's 32 Thoughts podcast episode, “Tocchet’s not interviewing with teams—he’s interviewing teams.”

With his contract now expired and multiple organizations scrambling for coaching clarity, Tocchet has the freedom to choose carefully—and the market is listening.

Philadelphia, in particular, seems to be leaning in.

Despite the presence of interim coach Brad Shaw, who did an admirable job in a tough stretch run and is reportedly still under serious consideration, Tocchet’s name continues to hover like a persistent drumbeat. He’s a franchise icon who represents both the nostalgic edge Flyers fans love and the modern-day structure that general manager Danny Brière and president Keith Jones are looking to install.

What makes Tocchet such a compelling candidate for Philadelphia is that rare blend of familiarity and evolution. Yes, he played here. Yes, he understands what it means to wear the orange and black. But he’s also evolved as a coach—sharpening his tactics, building credibility, and showing that he can connect with players in today’s NHL.

And now, according to Dreger, the Flyers are ready to make a push.

“The Flyers want to be aggressive. Good fit.” That’s not just smoke—it’s a flare in the night sky. After a season that started with promise and ended with bitter disappointment, Philadelphia’s front office knows it needs more than just steady hands. They need a spark, a voice that can challenge, uplift, and demand more from a talented but still-growing roster.

Boston and Seattle are still very much in the race. Each presents an intriguing opportunity: Boston with its veteran leadership core and culture of winning, Seattle with its young franchise identity and roster flexibility. But Philly offers something more intangible—legacy, challenge, and the chance to truly build something.

This week, we might finally get clarity. And if Tocchet ends up on Broad Street once again, it’ll be because both sides saw the same thing in each other: unfinished business—and a future worth fighting for.