After the New York Rangers parted ways with Peter Laviolette following a lackluster 2024–25 season, attention has turned to potential successors. Among the names being floated is Vancouver Canucks head coach and 2024 Coach of the Year, Rick Tocchet. According to Arthur Staple of The Athletic, there’s reason to believe Tocchet could be a candidate, partly due to his previous interactions with the Rangers. “Tocchet interviewed for the job that ultimately went to Gerard Gallant four years ago, so GM Chris Drury is familiar with him,” Staple noted. Tocchet has earned praise for his performance in Vancouver, where he coached current Ranger J.T. Miller, a known supporter of his. Although the Canucks are reportedly eager to retain Tocchet, the 61-year-old might be open to exploring new opportunities.
Rick Tocchet’s contract with the Vancouver Canucks runs through the end of June, with the club holding an option for the 2025–26 season that hasn’t been activated yet. When asked about his plans on Friday, Tocchet expressed a willingness to stay but highlighted that discussions still need to take place. “I absolutely want to return,” he said at the team’s season-ending media availability. “But there’s a process involving Jim (Rutherford) and Patrik (Allvin), and I want to respect that process and take a moment to reflect.”
Meanwhile, the New York Rangers have added their name to the list of teams seeking a new head coach, following their decision to part ways with Peter Laviolette. Despite a promising start to the 2024–25 campaign, the Rangers fell short of the playoffs. Laviolette leaves with a 94–59–11 regular-season record and a 10–5–1 mark in the postseason. Other teams currently searching for head coaches include the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Chicago Blackhawks.
