Wed May 14 15:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Tocchet Returns to Philadelphia, Poised to Coach Flyers
**PHILADELPHIA, PA** – Rick Tocchet, former head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, is expected to take the reins of the Philadelphia Flyers, according to a report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. The move marks a return to familiar territory for the 61-year-old, who spent 11 seasons as a player with the Flyers across two stints (1984-1992 and 1999-2002).
The Flyers are hoping Tocchet can revitalize a team that has struggled in recent years, missing the playoffs since 2020. Last season saw them tie for last in the Eastern Conference with a 33-39-10 record. The team has a high draft pick this year, giving the new coach some new talent to work with.
Tocchet’s hiring follows the firing of John Tortorella in March after a losing streak and reported team conflict. Brad Shaw served as interim coach for the remainder of the season.
Tocchet comes to Philadelphia after a two-and-a-half-year run with the Vancouver Canucks. While he led the team to a division title in 2024 and won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s best coach, a less successful follow-up season led to his departure. Tocchet informed the Canucks he would not be returning on April 29, after the team decided not to use their option.
During his tenure in Vancouver, Tocchet achieved a 108-65-27 record in 200 regular-season games. He also guided the team to a first-round playoff series win against Nashville before losing to Edmonton in seven games in the second round.
Prior to his time in Vancouver, Tocchet held head coaching positions with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Arizona Coyotes. In his nine seasons as an NHL head coach, he has led his teams to the playoffs twice and maintains a .500 win percentage.
Flyers fans are hoping that Tocchet’s return, combined with his proven coaching ability, will be the key to unlocking the team’s potential and bringing them back to playoff contention.
First Piper 