Ryan S. Clark
Add Rick Tocchet to the List of Training Options available on the Open Market with the Vancouver Canucks Announcing on Tuesday that Tocchet left the team.
There was the belief that Tocchet’s time with the Canucks could come to an end. Last week saw the discussion of Tocchet’s future with the franchise that focuses with the most focused with Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford saying they did not exercise their choice in Tocchet’s contract before adding that they were offered a one New and more lucrative agreement to remain in Vancouver.
But now? Tocchet joins the list of most followed training candidates while the Canucks become the eighth NHL team that will use this out of season to go through a coach search.
“After a very long and complete process, unfortunately Rick decided to leave Vancouver Canucks,” Rutherford said in a statement. “This is a very disappointing news, but we respect Rick’s decision to go to a new chapter in his hockey career. We did everything in our power to keep it, but at the end of the day Rick felt that he needed a change.”
At the same press conference in which Rutherford said the team offered Tocchet a new agreement, also said Tocchet “may have his mind elsewhere” before adding that he felt Tocchet and his staff did “a good job training this team this year” as they did in their first complete campaign.
Tocchet was a half-season rent during the 2022-23 season. His first full year in charge saw the Canucks win 50 games, finish with 109 points and win the Division of the Pacific. He has directed the Canucks to his first appearance in the season since the 2019-20 season and was a victory far from moving forward in the West Conference late.
When you enter this season, the Canucks had most of their players on their playoff team. They started strong with a record of 15-8-5, but found numerous ice and out of ice problems that would be too big.
Between them was the friction between the star forward JT Miller and ELIAS PETTERSSON. The tension between Miller and Pettersson reached the stage in which the captain of Canucks Quinn Hughes He publicly acknowledged that there was a problem with Miller and Pettersson denying such problems.
Miller would be negotiated to the New York Rangers Before the trading period while the Canucks fought to find someone who could replace their production. Would finish six points behind the Blues of San Luis For the final place of the West Conference of the Conference.
Still, Tocchet had the support of Hughes along with those of the organization who wanted him to stay.
As for what everything means to advance for both parties? Tocchet is among those who will join Mike Sullivan, which have separated from shapes with Pittsburgh Penguins On Monday after winning two stanley cups in 10 seasons, like the two most attractive names for teams looking for a new bench chief.
Then there are the teams that need a coach. Is a list that includes the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Chicago BlackhawksRangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Seattle Krakenthe penguins and now the Canucks.
“I am choosing to go from the Vancouver Canucks,” Tocchet said. “The family is a priority and, with my contract, this becomes a timely time. Although I don’t know where to go, or exactly how this will play for me in the long run, I think this is the right time for me to explore other opportunities around hockey.”