VANCOUVER — Rick Tocchet is making his return to Vancouver as the Philadelphia Flyers visit the Canucks on Tuesday. This comes nearly eight months after he left his coaching role with the Canucks, where he had a successful 2.5-year run.
Tocchet led the Canucks to a Pacific Division title in the 2023-24 season and even won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year. While he had a year left on his contract, he decided it was time for a change. Vancouver’s hockey operations president, Jim Rutherford, confirmed Tocchet’s departure in late April, and by May, he was coaching the Flyers.
“I don’t really know what the reaction will be,” Tocchet said, prepared for anything from cheers to boos. “I’ve been booed in many places; it’s part of the job.”
During his time in Vancouver, he turned the team around, posting a strong record of 108-65-27. His last full season saw the Canucks reach the Western Conference Second Round, marking their first advancement since their Stanley Cup Final run in 2011. That season also saw defenseman Quinn Hughes win the Norris Trophy, a first for the franchise.
However, last season was tough for the Canucks. They ended with a record of 38-30-14, missing the playoffs by six points. Tocchet stepped down shortly after this disappointing finish.
Now, he’ll return to a very different Canucks team, currently struggling at the bottom of the NHL standings. They’ve traded key players, including Quinn Hughes, and face significant injuries that have affected their performance. Tocchet expressed sympathy for the fans and acknowledged the challenges the team is facing. “Injuries hit hard, and it’s tough to see,” he mentioned. “But I believe they have a plan for the future.”
Meanwhile, Tocchet has revitalized the Flyers, bringing them closer to playoff contention for the first time in six years. Even after a tough loss to Seattle, they sit third in the Metropolitan Division.
Trevor Zegras, a forward for the Flyers, praised Tocchet’s coaching style, highlighting how approachable and interactive he is with the team. “He knows what it means to be a Flyer, and he makes us feel like a team,” said Zegras. This engaged approach is something Zegras hadn’t experienced before, making the team dynamics more collaborative.
This isn’t the first time Tocchet has faced the Canucks since his departure. Earlier in the season, the Flyers beat Vancouver 5-2, easing some of the nerves about this return. But as Tocchet arrived in Vancouver, memories came flooding back. “The city is beautiful; the scenery is incredible, and I had a lot of fun during my time here,” he reflected.
Tocchet also praised Canucks fans for their unwavering support, emphasizing their passion even during difficult times. “They’ve been through a lot, but they’re loyal and love a winner,” he said. “It’s hard not to appreciate a fan base like that.”
