The Philadelphia Flyers are closing in on hiring Rick Tocchet as their subsequent head coach, sources confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday.
The framework of the deal would put Tocchet among the many highest-paid coaches within the NHL, sources instructed ESPN. The Flyers have been nonetheless going by formal steps of approval Wednesday, however the deal is anticipated to be introduced this week.
Tocchet, 61, is already within the Flyers Corridor of Fame after spending elements of 11 seasons with the workforce throughout his 18-year taking part in profession.
The Flyers nonetheless think about themselves in a rebuild section after lacking the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Philadelphia fired John Tortorella in March after philosophical variations emerged between the coach and entrance workplace.
Brad Shaw served as interim coach for the rest of the season, and the Flyers (33-39-10) completed tied for final place within the Japanese Convention.
Tocchet, who stepped down as coach of the Vancouver Canucks after the season as his three-year contract expired, was among the many most fascinating candidates in a crowded teaching market.
Based on sources, Tocchet additionally spoke with the Seattle Kraken and the Anaheim Geese, who by no means formally interviewed Tocchet previous to hiring Joel Quenneville final week. The Boston Bruins additionally had Tocchet excessive on their listing.
Tocchet was additionally contemplating a return to tv subsequent season, sources instructed ESPN, after he served as an everyday on TNT’s protection previous to becoming a member of the Canucks. He has additionally appeared on the community’s protection through the 2024-25 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Tocchet left Vancouver only one yr faraway from successful the Jack Adams Award. The Canucks, after a season of turmoil that included the commerce of middle JT Miller to the New York Rangers, missed the playoffs by six factors.
Tocchet, who changed Bruce Boudreau as Canucks coach in January 2023, had earlier head teaching stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Arizona Coyotes. His profession NHL teaching document is 286-265-87 within the common season and 11-11 within the playoffs.
Each day Faceoff was first to report that Tocchet and the Flyers have been near a deal.
