A new report has emerged that is linking the Philadelphia Flyers as being one of the frontrunners to steal Rick Tocchet away from the Canucks for next season.
Rick Tocchet's future with the Vancouver Canucks is looking murkier with each passing day after NHL historian Stan Fischler suggested a dramatic turn of events could be on the way.
Fischler tweeted on X that Tocchet is no longer in contention for the New York Rangers' head-coach job, claiming he's 'heard' Tocchet is now eyeing the Philadelphia Flyers.
'So, here's the deal,' Fischler wrote. 'The Maven is moving away from my previous NYRangers coaching choice of Rick Tocchet 'cause I hear he's going to Philly where Flyers folks like him.'I'm switching to one of the smartest hockey guys, great motivator, intense-plus, BOBBY HOLIK. Players=YAY!'
Tocchet is rooted deeply in Philadelphia, having played there 11 seasons during two stints after being drafted by the Flyers in 1983. He helped them advance to the 1985 Stanley Cup Final.
Meanwhile, Tocchet's Vancouver future has been left in limbo for weeks. Canucks president Jim Rutherford said the team won't pick up his one-year option but revealed they've made him a new, better offer. Now Tocchet has total control of what he'll do.
The final decision is imminent. If he signs, he'll become the highest-paid Canucks coach in history.
Tocchet led Vancouver to a Pacific Division title and won the Jack Adams Award as NHL coach of the year during the 2023-24 season. The Canucks, however, missed the playoffs this season, going 38-30-14 amidst injuries and locker room drama.
TSN broke the story in March that FanDuel had Tocchet listed as the favorite in betting to become the next head coach of the Flyers.
Tocchet had previously stated he would like to stay in Vancouver before Rutherford publicly announced the offer of an extension.
