Vancouver Canucks just made Tocchet a 'generous offer' in contract talks: report
Rick Tocchet’s future is one of the hot-button issues regarding the Vancouver Canucks as the 2024-25 season wraps up.
The 61-year-old bench boss’ contract expires this summer, though Canucks management has indicated that they intend to exercise the one-year team option to keep him around.
That would make Tocchet a lame-duck coach, though, providing unnecessary distractions for the team going forward. No surprise, then, that management is trying to get Tocchet signed to a new contract.
And it sounds like progress has been made.
Sportsnet 650’s Jason Brough is reporting that the Canucks have made an offer to Tocchet that they’re “hopeful” about.
“I think things are happening behind the scenes right now. I’ve heard that the Canucks have given Rick Tocchet an offer that they’re pretty hopeful about,” Brough said this morning on Halford and Brough. “I think they’ve given him an offer that’s pretty generous in their eyes.”
🗣️"I've heard the #Canucks have given Rick Tocchet an offer that they are pretty hopeful about."
▶️ Jason tells Mike what he's heard about the Rick Tocchet situation.
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) April 16, 2025
It would be a bad look for the Cancuks if they can’t get Tocchet to commit to the organization, particularly after Quinn Hughes backed his coach last week.
The Jack Adams Award winner from a year ago, Tocchet is due a big raise on his current reported $2.75-million salary. Tocchet is well-respected around the league and was picked by Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper to be his assistant with the team at the 4 Nations tournament in February. Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas has also indicated that he would like Tocchet to coach Canada at the upcoming IIHF World Championships.
The top NHL coaches reportedly make north of $5 million per season.
- You might also like:
- Boeser has heartwarming message for fans before probable last game with Canucks