The Canucks recently lost their head coach Rick Tocchet, and reports coming out are revealing that President Jim Rutherford is absolutely devastated by this.
Rick Tocchet's name was initially mentioned as a leading candidate for the Penguins' head coaching opening after he left the Canucks, and for good reason.
Tocchet has strong Pittsburgh ties, with a Stanley Cup win as a player and two additional wins as an assistant coach. Tocchet also has an extremely good personal relationship with Sidney Crosby, who cannot say enough about Tocchet.
There are not many more well-respected hockey individuals than Tocchet, a true fan favorite in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
The Flyers haven't been shy about wanting to bring him in, too. If Tocchet desires the Philadelphia job, it's his, say league sources, as he's been their top target for a while.
Tocchet has a close tie to the Flyers franchise, where he served as a former captain, and he's said he'd prefer to be back in the Eastern Conference after a stint in Vancouver.
The Penguins could have the edge over Philly for Tocchet's services
However, Pittsburgh might have the advantage. Tocchet and Penguins GM Kyle Dubas were together with Team Canada, and there is respect between the two of them. If Dubas makes the call, Tocchet would take it.
One significant surprise is that Tocchet's exit from the Canucks came in spite of a significant contract offer from team president Jim Rutherford, who was said to be devastated by the decision of him leaving, per NHL insider Josh Yohe.
'Rutherford was devastated that Tocchet decided to leave Vancouver. When Rutherford believes in a coach, he never lets him go. He believed in Tocchet, much as he did Sullivan.'- Josh Yohe
Rutherford is a president who keeps coaches he thinks very highly of, and he thought very, very highly of Tocchet. The decision blindsided him, which is something about how tough Tocchet's decision was.
The Flyers are ahead, perhaps, but Pittsburgh's allure, the Crosby factor, and the close friendships Tocchet has with Penguins management ensure this is no slam dunk.
Either way, all signs point to Tocchet being in the Metropolitan Division next season.
