Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet could have his days numbered in Canada if only because his contract is set to end once the regular season is over. His future in Vancouver, however, is still unknown.
Tocchet, for one, isn’t ready to talk about the future just yet, or not publicly at least.
The Canucks head coach addressed Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman’s report that the team has already made him an offer to stay beyond this season. With his current deal set to expire on June 30—and a team option available for 2025–26—Tocchet reiterated on Wednesday that his focus remains on the ice.
“It’s private,” Tocchet said about the status of his contract talks with the Canucks brass. “Honestly, right now I am thinking to get this team into a direction and all that stuff.
”That’s a conversation for another time with Jim and Patrick.”
asdf
Friedman reported Tuesday that Vancouver plans to either sign Tocchet to an extension or trigger the team option if he doesn't agree to the terms offered by the franchise.
"According to several sources, the Canucks are indicating that if Tocchet is coaching next season, it will be in Vancouver on his club option or with an extension," Friedman reported. "Their goal is to extend him, but they will exercise the option if it is necessary."
Tocchet acknowledged the support from fans and his appreciation for the city but made clear he’s not thinking about contract terms during the playoff race.
“There’s some things that we’ll talk about down the road, and it’s not the right time right now,” Tocchet said.
Despite facing internal drama and dealing with injuries throughout the season, Tocchet has led Vancouver to a 34-27-13 record coming off an extraordinary 50–23–9 campaign last season that earned him the NHL’s Coach of the Year award.
The Canucks are still within range of a playoff spot, trailing Minnesota (41-28-6) by seven points with eight games left.
That said, it'll take a massive effort from Vancouver and a drop in production for the Wild for the Canucks to clinch a postseason berth.
