Vancouver Canucks Lose Head Coach, Rick Tocchet

Rick Tocchet Will Not Return as Vancouver Canucks Head Coach

Author: Daniel Wagner

Date published: April 29, 2025

Rick Tocchet will not return as Vancouver Canucks head coach - North Shore News

Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet speaking with athletes During Practice

The Vancouver Canucks will be needing a new head coach going into the 2025-26 season. Tocchet has decided not to re-sign despite guiding the Canucks to a Pacific Division title in the previous season and having the honour of receiving the Jack Adams Award for Coach of the year. Thankfully, there is no bad blood left from his choice, in fact Jim Rutherford the team president shared his understanding not to pressure a change in mind because "we don't feel it's right", due to his future plans and aspirations. Tocchet shared that there are family reasons and has the urge to find more opportunities. This leaves the Canucks in search for a new coach for the first time in the past few years. There have been some possible candidates to step in and fill the important spot including the AHL Abbotsford coach Manny Malhotra or Mike Sullivan from the Pittsburgh Penguins. For the time there has been some talk about Rick Tocchet possibly joining the New York Rangers or Philadelphia Flyers. 

Tocchet's decision to leave the Canucks surprised me knowing that they've went through a lot over the past few years. I appreciate how transparent Rutherford was about not keeping a head coach if his head isn't in the game all while it seemed to be clear that Tocchet had other things on his mind. Life does that to you and provides a sort of calling with several opportunities that you may choose to pursue and change your path. While looking at the bigger picture, my main concern comes down to the team and how they will adjust with the upcoming season. Players may find it difficult to get back in the groove when they have such a big change happen to their team in a short amount of time. As a result, if Tocchett settles with another NHL team while claiming "family is a priority", it may leave a mark on the Canucks. I hope the Canucks can pull everything together and have a strong 2025-26 season.