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Rick Tocchet Departs Vancouver Canucks After Contract Dispute

The Canucks' head coach since 2023, Tocchet steps away following failed extension talks, leaving the team to search for its fourth coach in four years.

Overview

  • Rick Tocchet officially announced his departure as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, citing family priorities and the opportunity to explore other roles in hockey.
  • The Canucks declined to exercise Tocchet's club option for the 2025-26 season but had offered a long-term extension, which failed to materialize during negotiations.
  • Tocchet leaves with a 108-65-27 record, including a Jack Adams Award-winning season in 2023-24, but the team struggled in 2024-25, missing the playoffs by six points.
  • Vancouver faces its fourth head coaching search in as many years, with internal candidates like Adam Foote and Manny Malhotra reportedly under consideration.
  • Tocchet is now a leading candidate for several NHL coaching vacancies, including with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he has strong ties as a former player.