In a surprise announcement, the Vancouver Canucks confirmed that Rick Tocchet will not return as head coach for the 2025–26 NHL season. The club didn’t pick up its contract option but did offer him a new long-term deal — which Tocchet ultimately declined, citing personal reasons and a desire to prioritize family and explore other opportunities in hockey. en.wikipedia.org +15 nhl.com +15 foxsports.com +15 🏒 Legacy in Vancouver Hired mid-season in January 2023, Tocchet went 108–65–27 during his two-plus years behind the Canucks’ bench. nhl.com +13 nhl.com +13 tsn.ca +13 His leadership propelled Vancouver to a franchise-best 50-win campaign in 2023–24, earning him the prestigious Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year. en.wikipedia.org +9 reuters.com +9 chron.com +9 📉 Disappointing 2024–25 Season The team stumbled to a 38–30–14 record, missing the playoffs by six points, amid injuries to key players like Thatcher Demko and internal locker-room tensions. media.canucks.com +15 reuters.com +15 tsn.ca +15 Canucks President Jim Rutherford expressed their disappointment, “but respect Rick’s decision to move to a new chapter in his hockey career.” reddit.com +14 reuters.com +14 foxsports.com +14 🔗 What’s Next for Tocchet? At 61, Tocchet is one of the hottest coaching commodities in the NHL, linked to numerous openings in Anaheim, Boston, Chicago, New York (Rangers), Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Seattle. en.wikipedia.org +12 reuters.com +12 reuters.com +12 He has deep NHL experience — previously coaching Tampa Bay (2008–10) and Arizona (2017–21), and earning two Stanley Cups as an assistant in Pittsburgh (2016, 2017). reuters.com +9 sfgate.com +9 washingtonpost.com +9 🆕 Canucks Promote from Within On May 14, 2025, the Canucks elevated longtime assistant Adam Foote to head coach, ensuring continuity in their coaching staff. en.wikipedia.org +7 en.wikipedia.org +7 en.wikipedia.org +7 🔍 Bottom Line There is no truth to rumors of Rick Tocchet returning in a senior coaching role with Vancouver. Instead, he has officially departed and is poised for other NHL coaching opportunities. Meanwhile, the Canucks have moved forward internally with Adam Foote set to lead the bench next season.
The Vancouver Canucks officially announced that Rick Tocchet will not return as head coach for the 2025–26 season. While the team declined their contract option, they did offer him a new long-term deal — which Tocchet declined to prioritize family and explore opportunities elsewhere in hockey
🌟 Tocchet’s Vancouver Impact
Hired mid‑season in January 2023, Tocchet finished with an impressive 108–65–27 regular-season record over two-plus seasons .
He led the team to a 50-win, Pacific Division–topping 2023–24 season, earning NHL Coach of the Year with the Jack Adams Award
📉 2024–25 Season Disappointment
Vancouver slipped to a 38–30–14 record, missing the playoffs by six points, hindered by injuries (notably goalie Thatcher Demko) and locker-room te
Jim Rutherford, President of Hockey Operations, lamented the outcome, saying Tocchet’s decision reflected “personal reasons” and he “may have his mind somewhere else”
🔗 What Lies Ahead for Tocchet
Now 61, Tocchet is a hot name in NHL coaching circles — being linked to openings with Anaheim, Boston, Chicago, NY Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Seattl
He brings extensive NHL experience: head coaching stints in Tampa Bay (2008–10), Arizona (2017–21), and two Stanley Cups as an assistant in Pittsburgh (2016, 2017)
🆕 Canucks Move On: Adam Foote Takes Over
On May 14, 2025, assistant coach Adam Foote was elevated to permanent head coach — ensuring stability while the organization pivots
🔍 Bottom Line
If you’ve seen a headline claiming Rick Tocchet has returned to the Canucks as a senior coach, that’s false. Here’s what’s real:
No comeback — Tocchet is stepping away and exploring new opportunities.
The Canucks have promoted from within, appointing Adam Foote to lead next season.
Rick Tocchet remains one of the top candidates for NHL head-coaching positions elsewhere.
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