Rick Tocchet Departs as Head Coach of Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver, BC – The Vancouver Canucks announced today that Rick Tocchet will not return as head coach for the upcoming season. After discussions with the team and management, Tocchet has decided to step away from his role, concluding a significant chapter in his coaching career.

“After a very long and thorough process, unfortunately Rick has decided to leave the Vancouver Canucks,” said Jim Rutherford, Canucks president of hockey operations. “This is very disappointing news, but we respect Rick’s decision to move to a new chapter in his hockey career.”

Tocchet joined the Canucks in January 2023, when he took over after Bruce Boudreau. He led the Canucks to notable success, including 50 wins in the 2023-24 season and a Pacific Division title. However, after a challenging 2024-2025 campaign that saw the team miss the playoffs, Tocchet announced his departure.

“I’m choosing to move on from the Vancouver Canucks,” said Tocchet in a statement. “Family is a priority, and with my contract lapsing, this becomes the opportune time. I feel like this is the right moment for me to explore other opportunities in and around hockey.”

Rutherford expressed admiration for Tocchet, stating, “We did everything in our power to keep him, but Rick felt he needed a change.” Tocchet’s tenure with the Canucks yielded a 108-65-27 record, including one playoff appearance. Last season, Vancouver reached the second round of the playoffs before being eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers.

Despite Tocchet’s success, the recent season was complicated by injuries and team dynamics. Players like J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson faced challenges, impacting overall performance. Tocchet commented on the difficulties, stating, “It’s been a hard year, but it’s also been a year where you can improve from learning these lessons from adversity.”

With Tocchet’s exit, the Canucks join several other NHL teams seeking new head coaches, including the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, and Chicago Blackhawks. As the offseason unfolds, Tocchet’s extensive experience in the league makes it likely that he will find a new opportunity soon.