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4mo ago

Canucks Decline Tocchet's Option, Offer New Contract Amid Coaching Market Competition

Vancouver's management hopes to retain the Jack Adams-winning coach after a challenging season, with a decision expected this week.

Mar 30, 2025; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet gestures during a game against the Winnipeg Jets in the third period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet, right, talks as Ian Cole (82), Andrei Kuzmenko (96), Elias Pettersson, back left, Filip Hronek, back centre, and Nils Hoglander, back right, listen during the opening day of the NHL hockey team's training camp, in Victoria, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
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Overview

  • The Vancouver Canucks have opted not to exercise Rick Tocchet's club option but have extended a more lucrative contract offer to retain him as head coach.
  • Team president Jim Rutherford emphasized the importance of having a coach fully committed to the organization, with Tocchet's decision anticipated later this week.
  • Tocchet's first full season with the Canucks in 2023-24 saw historic success, including a Pacific Division title and a Jack Adams Award, but the team struggled this past season due to injuries and internal conflicts.
  • Key challenges included the trade of J.T. Miller following tensions with Elias Pettersson and the limited availability of goaltender Thatcher Demko due to injury.
  • Tocchet remains a sought-after candidate in a competitive NHL coaching market, with several other teams currently seeking new head coaches.