Philadelphia Flyers
REPORT: Top Coaching Candidate Nearing a Decision
Per TSN’s Darren Dreger, one of the top coaching candidates across the league, Rick Tocchet, is nearing his decision.
Dreger reported Tuesday morning that Tocchet will land another NHL head coaching job, and will be known soon.
In his report, Dreger listed the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, and surprisingly, the Seattle Kraken as three top-contenders for Rick Tocchet’s services.
In the report, Dreger says that the Flyers want to “be aggressive”. Will a return to Philly come soon for Tocchet?
Read More: James: Ranking Flyers Coaching Candidates
No Pittsburgh?
One of the bigger shocks from Dreger’s report was the Pittsburgh Penguins not being considered a top contender.
The Penguins are in need of a head coach after parting ways with long-time bench boss Mike Sullivan. Tocchet seemed like a natural fit.
Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to return to the place where you have your name on the Stanley Cup three times?
The timing of Tocchet’s announcement that he was leaving Vancouver came a day after the Penguins job opened up. It did not seem like much of a coincidence.
To see the Penguins not listed as one of the three top candidates, but the Seattle Kraken instead, was truly a shock.
It could have been a simple mistake by Dreger, but nothing more has been said since the repot came out.
Read More: Flyers Draft Options: Should They Draft Desnoyers or Martin
Will Rick Tocchet Soon be the 25th Flyers Head Coach?
The Philadelphia Flyers still need to hire their 25th head coach in franchise history. Based on Dreger’s report, that could be happening soon.
It seems as if Tocchet has already made one decision; that is to continue coaching instead of going to a TV job.
Now that the first is decision is made, the second should come sooner than later.
It had been long-rumored that the Flyers had Tocchet at the top of their list. With Dreger reporting the Flyers want to he aggressive, it could be a recipe for filling the vacancy.
On the flip side, on Tuesday’s 32 Thoughts, Elliote Friedman stated that Rick Tocchet was high on the Flyers list, but “I am not sure what is going to happen there.”
While Dreger reported aggressiveness from the Flyers, Friedman reported uncertainty.
At this point, it seems like the only person that knows what Rick Tocchet wants is, well, Rick Tocchet.
Read More: Flyers Mock Draft 2.0: Did the Lottery Results Change the Plan?
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Tocchet would be a good hire and the Flyers would be lucky to have him.
It also benefits the team to get their coach in place now, before the draft and with plenty of time before next season begins.
This is what you want?
Team Year Regular Season Postseason
G W L OTL Pts Finish Result
TBL 2008–09 66 19 33 14 (52) 5th in Southeast — — — Missed playoffs
TBL 2009–10 82 34 36 12 80 4th in Southeast — — — Missed playoffs
ARI 2017–18 82 29 41 12 70 8th in Pacific — — — Missed playoffs
ARI 2018–19 82 39 35 8 86 4th in Pacific — — — Missed playoffs
ARI 2019–20 70* 33 29 8 74 5th in Pacific Lost in first round (COL)
ARI 2020–21 56 24 26 6 54 5th in West — — — Missed playoffs
VAN 2022–23 36 20 12 4 (44) 6th in Pacific — — — Missed playoffs
VAN 2023–24 82 50 23 9 109 1st in Pacific Lost in second round (EDM)
VAN 2024–25 82 38 30 14 90 5th in Pacific — — — Missed playoffs
Fully agree. One good season out of nine coaching three different teams. His past, combined with another alumni, would be a big no IMHO.
please no, to tocchet