Hughes wants Tocchet back and Vancouver Canucks management has to pay attention
The Vancouver Canucks are willing to go to great lengths to ensure Quinn Hughes is happy and wants to stay with the team past his current contract.
The reigning Norris Trophy winner has two years left on his deal, and the Canucks will do nearly anything to get his signature on an extension, which he’s eligible for starting July 1, 2026.
So when Hughes gave a massive vote of confidence for coach Rick Tocchet today, who is in the midst of contract negotiations of his own, there’s no doubt the Canucks noticed.
Tocchet’s deal expires at the end of this season, and while the Canucks have a team option for next season, they would love to sign him long-term. To do so, they’ll need to increase his salary and sell him based on their vision for the future.
Keeping Hughes happy and committed to the vision will definitely be a positive for Tocchet, and keeping the head coach around will seemingly please the captain and increase the team’s chance of re-signing him.
“He’s an amazing coach,” said Hughes to Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre. “You look at me individually and my game, he’s been amazing for me — amazing for a lot of guys. He’s just a great person, first of all. That’s a guy you want to compete for, you want to play for.”
“I think he’s a terrific coach. Last year, he won the Jack Adams Award, and this year, I think he’s probably been even better. But whatever he does, it’s his decision. Obviously, I’d like to have him back. And I think he knows that.”
Quinn Hughes on Rick Tocchet. pic.twitter.com/m8oN258AHb
— Iain MacIntyre (@imacSportsnet) April 9, 2025
Tocchet has repeatedly said he doesn’t want to enter intense negotiations until the season is done. With the Canucks’ nearly eliminated from playoff competition, that day is fast approaching.
If the Canucks go a different direction behind the bench next season, that would be the fourth head coach for this group since 2021. That’s a lot of turnover for a team that’s trying to compete.
The Canucks need to build a clear pathway to contention that they can sell Hughes on. Having four coaches in four years isn’t that.
Without Hughes, the Canucks would likely need to enter a lengthy rebuild. Keeping him happy and satisfied is key to increasing the chances he re-signs in Vancouver, and if he wants Tocchet to stick around, then the Canucks need to take that into consideration when making a coaching decision.