Confirmed with Link: Canucks announce HC Rick Tocchet will Not Return (UPD May 13: Tocchet to coach Flyers)

[F A N]

Sure, management may have done that in good faith, but it doesn't obligate Tocchet to sign...he likely saw a better fit for himself elsewhere and chose himself over the Canucks, and people can fuss over that, but I'm not sure why...most people look out for themselves when they have big decisions to make regarding their future.

I'm not faulting him for being selfish. But we were led to believe that he wanted to move back east and then he interviews in Seattle. Had it been known that he wanted to move back to the States then no issues there. I actually fault management for not exercising the option and then negotiate an extension if that guy was your first choice for coach.

But also, I'm not arguing the merits or faults of Rick Tocchet, I'm questioning the vilification of him for deciding to move on. I'm right there with his critics and I can see some of the good things he brought, but to deride him for not staying in Vancouver because it goes against some chalkboard credos just seems like sour grapes and trying to hold him to something unrealistic. Plus, its kind of odd to throw a guy under the bus for leaving, even though you'd probably prefer he left anyways. I just don't understand the expectations people have, especially when its other peoples lives and choices they make for themselves.

You make good points and I would totally support the notion that nobody should be vilified for simply coaching a sport. But I don't think Tocchet is above criticism for how he left. It's the nature of fan support. Sundin was vilified by Leafs fans for not waiving his NTC while most of us celebrated the Sedins for only wanting to win here (while there are others who vilify players who doesn't want to win at all costs). The same goes for a drafted player refusing to play for the team that drafted him. It's an unusual move and hence fans react to that.

 

[racerjoe]

Great professional decision for Rick. Happy for him.

I mean if we are just talking professional... then I don't know. Philly seems in a worst spot than us. I think Boston would have been a worse choice...

Its clear thats where he wanted to go, its clear he likes the management team and has ties to the city and the team... but I am just not sure I see Philly turning into a contender or even a really good team. There is a lot of work and nothing that management team has done would make me believe in them.

Now things can change because you ask me what I thought of our current management team and 4 months ago I would have had a much different things to say.

 

[Canucker]

I'm not faulting him for being selfish. But we were led to believe that he wanted to move back east and then he interviews in Seattle. Had it been known that he wanted to move back to the States then no issues there. I actually fault management for not exercising the option and then negotiate an extension if that guy was your first choice for coach.


You make good points and I would totally support the notion that nobody should be vilified for simply coaching a sport. But I don't think Tocchet is above criticism for how he left. It's the nature of fan support. Sundin was vilified by Leafs fans for not waiving his NTC while most of us celebrated the Sedins for only wanting to win here (while there are others who vilify players who doesn't want to win at all costs). The same goes for a drafted player refusing to play for the team that drafted him. It's an unusual move and hence fans react to that.

I understand the nature of fandom and that people sometimes can't get past some level of "betrayal" when someone leaves their team, but for me, I just can't begrudge people from doing what they feel is in their own best interests, especially when they have the agency to do it...I think it would be hypocritical to rage on someone for doing what virtually anyone else in the same position would do.

 

[Zippgunn]

Called this the second the Philly job opened up. He will be well loved in Philly and he will assuredly make a boatload of cash during his prime earning years. Good for him.

 

[F A N]

I understand the nature of fandom and that people sometimes can't get past some level of "betrayal" when someone leaves their team, but for me, I just can't begrudge people from doing what they feel is in their own best interests, especially when they have the agency to do it...I think it would be hypocritical to rage on someone for doing what virtually anyone else in the same position would do.

I disagree that virtually anyone else in the same position would do what Tocchet did. In fact, most would do the complete opposite. A head coach leaving a team for non-monetary reasons basically doesn't happen. I certainly wouldn't tell my boss (who has treated me well and whom I consider a fried) or lead him to believe that I'm leaving to be closer to family only to take the same job at the office across the street. So it's not hypocritical at all.

 

[Canucker]

I disagree that virtually anyone else in the same position would do what Tocchet did. In fact, most would do the complete opposite. A head coach leaving a team for non-monetary reasons basically doesn't happen. I certainly wouldn't tell my boss (who has treated me well and whom I consider a fried) or lead him to believe that I'm leaving to be closer to family only to take the same job at the office across the street. So it's not hypocritical at all.

So why did he leave then? I would agree that its not to do with money. It was likely opportunity for a better situation to him...do you know for sure he was happy with the direction Patrick Allvin was steering the ship? Do you know that he liked the makeup of the team, or its prospects for the future? He saw an opportunity to move elsewhere, for something he liked better...people leave cities they've played/coached in for years for better opportunities, you're making it out like this was some sort of betrayal...the way this management group handled Bruce Boudreau I don't believe they're warranted any loyalty, especially as the head coach of a professional team. You do whats best for you in pro sports...you spend years under indentured servitude, when you become a free agent you have the freedom to decide your path. Tocchet wasn't under contract and decided his best path was elsewhere...more power to him, and I'm happy he's landed where he wanted to be, and that its not Vancouver.

 

[Bleach Clean]

Tocchet takes the Philly job, as expected. Good luck to him.

Did anyone hear Brian Burke relay that he had heard Tocchet was out for the Canucks back in February?

 

[Just A Bit Outside]

Can’t wait for Philly fans to complain how Tocchet is ruining Michkov.

 

[BOBBY9]

Tocchet already filling out the paperwork to adopt Konecny

 

[Canuckle1970]

When Toc wouldn't commit to a re-sign with us when we were still chugging for a playoff spot, I was puzzled. Signing an extension would have made a statement to our players and the fans.

Then Torts was out in Philly, and the inevitable played out. Toc took his time "to decide" to limit the stink.

I'm more than happy to say good-bye.

 

[F A N]

So why did he leave then? I would agree that its not to do with money. It was likely opportunity for a better situation to him...do you know for sure he was happy with the direction Patrick Allvin was steering the ship? Do you know that he liked the makeup of the team, or its prospects for the future? He saw an opportunity to move elsewhere, for something he liked better...people leave cities they've played/coached in for years for better opportunities, you're making it out like this was some sort of betrayal...the way this management group handled Bruce Boudreau I don't believe they're warranted any loyalty, especially as the head coach of a professional team. You do whats best for you in pro sports...you spend years under indentured servitude, when you become a free agent you have the freedom to decide your path. Tocchet wasn't under contract and decided his best path was elsewhere...more power to him, and I'm happy he's landed where he wanted to be, and that its not Vancouver.

What Tocchet decided to do doesn't mean "virtually anyone else in the same position would do."

Tocchet is not Boudreau. Tocchet has a prior relationship with management and he WAS under contract just that management decided not to force the option year on him. The loyalty analysis is different with Tocchet vs Boudreau.

 

[Canucker]

What Tocchet decided to do doesn't mean "virtually anyone else in the same position would do."

Tocchet is not Boudreau. Tocchet has a prior relationship with management and he WAS under contract just that management decided not to force the option year on him. The loyalty analysis is different with Tocchet vs Boudreau.

Sure...but again, he's not obligated to stay just because of a prior, or current, relationship...he's doing what is best for Rick Tocchet, and I think most people do what they feel is in their best interests.

 

[Nolan Bombgardener]

He probably has a bit more runway in Philadelphia. If the Canucks struggle again next year, the same coach would be on the hot seat. If the Flyers struggle again next year, Tocchet's job should still be safe there.

 

[Vector]

 

[Just A Bit Outside]

Woof.

Good for Tocchet but that’s a hard pass.

 

[arttk]

Woof.

Good for Tocchet but that’s a hard pass.

I was surprised that we offered him 4ish and less than 5 years term.

 

[Vancouver_2010]

I was surprised that we offered him 4ish and less than 5 years term.

he left because we are 200k short ; )

 

[PuckMunchkin]

I mean if Tocchet wants to talk up the character of JT Miller whats that say about his judge of character?

Oh. Okay.

Confused with what parts you disagree with? With me not wanting Toc back? I have said it since April 9th.

"I just think when you build your brand or messaging as a coach on one thing, then go in the opposite direction of that... its shows true colours."

I disagree with this part.

 

[VanJack]

As soon as Torts walked the plank in Philly, Tocchet was history with the Canucks.

And when he declined to negotiate a new deal with the Canucks in mid-season and then spurned them again at the end of the season--the writing was on the wall.

And all the hand-wringing, finger-pointing and speculation was just a lot of garbled background noise in the end. The surprising thing was now many members of the media fell for the narrative that somehow Tocchet and the Canucks front office were at odds. And that was the reason he was moving on.

He wanted out.....and wanted to return the Flyers for as much or even slightly more money than the Canucks were offering. Period. End of story.

 

[DFAC]

He's an average coach at best - the real loss is bringing in Foote who is probably not what this team needs. Oh well. Time will tell.

 

[VanJack]

I remember wondering two years ago if 'Tocchet hockey' would have a 'shelf life'. It required a maximum effort and buy-in from his players night after night. You wondered if it was sustainable.

I think the answer last season, is that it probably wasn't. And we're about to find out if his approach will work in Philly. I anticipate some early success. But over the long term, you have to wonder.

 

[vadim sharifijanov]

I remember wondering two years ago if 'Tocchet hockey' would have a 'shelf life'. It required a maximum effort and buy-in from his players night after night. You wondered if it was sustainable.

I think the answer last season, is that it probably wasn't. And we're about to find out if his approach will work in Philly. I anticipate some early success. But over the long term, you have to wonder.

i feel the same way

outside of quinn hughes, who is a cheat code unto himself, the system made the game harder, not easier, for the players and relied on being able to generate chances against the grain as opposed to those kinds of opportunities being a bonus to scoring that the system would reliably yield

but when it was clicking, man was it fun af to watch

 

[racerjoe]

Oh. Okay.

"I just think when you build your brand or messaging as a coach on one thing, then go in the opposite direction of that... its shows true colours."

I disagree with this part.

So you don't think that if I kept saying "You have to face things head on!" then when something comes I turn and run that isn't showing my true colours?

 

[PuckMunchkin]

So you don't think that if I kept saying "You have to face things head on!" then when something comes I turn and run that isn't showing my true colours?

I disagree that that is what happened.

 

[F A N]

Sure...but again, he's not obligated to stay just because of a prior, or current, relationship...he's doing what is best for Rick Tocchet, and I think most people do what they feel is in their best interests.

Sure. Nobody is obligated to do anything other than what they feel is in their best interests. But again, we are also free to criticize him (which you are taking issue with).