Confirmed with Link: Canucks announce HC Rick Tocchet will Not Return

[BenningHurtsMySoul]

With every passing month, the question "why am I a fan of this team?" gets harder and harder to answer.

 

[rypper]

Just trade Hughes now while he doesn't have trade protection and will be worth a ton. Get it over with. Because he's not staying.

He's doesn't have trade protection at all.

But he will in the next long term deal he signs with the Canucks.

 

[JAK]

With every passing month, the question "why am I a fan of this team?" gets harder and harder to answer.

It's like watching a train wreck, you just can't turn away from it.

 

[sting101]

I don’t know where you hear the narrative that he has been terrible for Boston, but he’s been very good for Boston.

Especially in the second half, he’s a +25 as well on a terrible defensive team

Had a bit of a tough start but its fairly common for guys to take time to adjust to role teammates and systems and hes like 250 plus so he takes a little longer to get his speed rollin. Same has happened for him a few times now and then he settles in and is a unique weapon that can off set opposition power forwards and makes his teammates all 3" taller and 30lbs heavier. Plus his media presence is engaging and also took heat off others with that willingness

The narrative is complete BS. He might be an anchor someday but he sure as hell in this escalating cap environment worth his pay. I believe it was a huge mistake not getting that deal done. In retrospect the Joshua deal looks worse given the last year and what we ended surrendering for MPettersson in season to end the tire fire on D.
MP is a nice upgrade but with DPetey coming and Willander it would have been nice having a protector/partner that could rotate in and out of the top4 and keep teams from getting too aggressive on Willander or Hughes.

All the calls for toughness here and they let the nucleur deterrant walk over 500k which eventually became a potential McKenna chip added to fix and then there was also the possibility that he may have had the nuts and ability to squash some of what was going on between Miller and Pettersson.

Speculatively it could have all started with that mistake. Hansen has a good point.

 

[The Optimist]

Im not going to panick over Tocchet leaving. While my preference was for him to stay, there are some valid criticisms about him as a coach. A good coach should get the best out of his players which I don't think Tocchet did. If a player couldn't adapt to Tocchet's system he got shipped out. It's possible that Tocchet suppressed Pettersson's potential. I'm going to remain cautiously optimistic until I see who replaces Tocchet. There are potentially some good coaching options out there that are capable of sufficiently replacing Tocchet.

I refuse to worry about Quinn walking away. Worrying about something over a year away when so many things could happen between now and then is pointless. Having said that, should the day come when Hughes, the best defenseman in franchise history, leaves while in his prime, I would seriously have to reconsider my Fandom. As a fan, I want to believe the team could catch lightning in a bottle and win it all. But with the ongoing corruption in league officiating, tax haven advantages, and a meddling idiotic owner, I just couldn't see them winning ever.

 

[JT Milker]

Im not going to panick over Tocchet leaving. While my preference was for him to stay, there are some valid criticisms about him as a coach. A good coach should get the best out of his players which I don't think Tocchet did. If a player couldn't adapt to Tocchet's system he got shipped out. It's possible that Tocchet suppressed Pettersson's potential. I'm going to remain cautiously optimistic until I see who replaces Tocchet. There are potentially some good coaching options out there that are capable of sufficiently replacing Tocchet.

I refuse to worry about Quinn walking away. Worrying about something over a year away when so many things could happen between now and then is pointless. Having said that, should the day come when Hughes, the best defenseman in franchise history, leaves while in his prime, I would seriously have to reconsider my Fandom. As a fan, I want to believe the team could catch lightning in a bottle and win it all. But with the ongoing corruption in league officiating, tax haven advantages, and a meddling idiotic owner, I just couldn't see them winning ever.

There’s no point in worrying about Hughes. Goal should be to do what it takes to be a contender next year and/or the year after; if that isn’t enough, it is what it is.

 

[tantalum]

Management didn't want a lame duck coach like Tocchet would be if they picked up the option.

Management wanted him back and made him an excellent offer. From what has been said an offer that rivals the best in the league. Tocchet decided to not to stay.

I'm not worried about what players think in the moment...even Hughes. In the end players know that coaches change all the time. And it really depends on who is brought in. Bring in an experienced coach and show your serious and the loss isn't impactful.

 

[BenningHurtsMySoul]

Im not going to panick over Tocchet leaving. While my preference was for him to stay, there are some valid criticisms about him as a coach. A good coach should get the best out of his players which I don't think Tocchet did. If a player couldn't adapt to Tocchet's system he got shipped out. It's possible that Tocchet suppressed Pettersson's potential. I'm going to remain cautiously optimistic until I see who replaces Tocchet. There are potentially some good coaching options out there that are capable of sufficiently replacing Tocchet.

I refuse to worry about Quinn walking away. Worrying about something over a year away when so many things could happen between now and then is pointless. Having said that, should the day come when Hughes, the best defenseman in franchise history, leaves while in his prime, I would seriously have to reconsider my Fandom. As a fan, I want to believe the team could catch lightning in a bottle and win it all. But with the ongoing corruption in league officiating, tax haven advantages, and a meddling idiotic owner, I just couldn't see them winning ever.

The issue I have is that by waiting, you are essentially putting your own fate in someone else's hands. This team goes as far as Hughes will take us, make no mistake - he is the franchise. If he decides to walk (and let's face it, why the f*** wouldn't he at this point), this organization is beyond f***ed. They will be left with a capped out roster, no blue chip prospects and no flexibility to do anything but finish 9th-11th every year.

Whereas, if you deal him now and bite the bullet, you are guaranteed to receive quality assets because he has no NTC or NMC. Canucks will have a ton of league interest because it's Quinn f***ing Hughes. You admit that this core had its one run and failed to deliver, and you rebuild through a few quality upcoming drafts.

But I fully expect our moronic owner to hold onto him and force management to bring in more players to try and make the playoffs, and then either lose him for nothing in two years or a shit return because we have no leverage.

 

[tantalum]

tocchet has lived in vegas for a decade. he's not an 'east coast guy'. he just wanted out of vancouver for some reason

makes sense vegas would be a preferred spot for Tocchet to live.......

 

[PavelBure10]

I liked Tochett but he was far from perfect. While Tocc loved his Miller's and Zadorovs, he did an amazing job neutering the offensive creativity from Pettersson and Kuzmenko. While Miller's constant laziness got him more ice time. Insecure younger players like Hoglander would get stapled to the bench if they made a single mistake. Tochett obviously had his favorites and players who he wasn't a big fan of (Pettersson/Hoglander). While Tochett preached about playing for the crest on the jersey he was the first to leave when things got tough. I honestly don't blame him but I find it to be a bit of a annoyance because Tochett played a major role on the trades, who should stay or who should go. Kuzmenko's contract isn't the greatest but he had excellent chemistry with Pettersson. Wish the best to Tochett in his future endeavors but I think there are better coaching options out there. I would fully welcome a Gerard Gallant, but I think Aquilini will go cheap and bring in Malhotra.

There is still a chance for Hughes to stay but it fully relies on Allvin and Rutherford to perform some magic this offseason. More decision making skills comparable to 2 seasons a go, not anything like the last offseason where Allvin and Co clearly painted themselves in a corner numerous of times. No more Desharnais crap signings for the top 6, or Miller for Chytil BS trades. Staff and management needs to get creative.

 

[arttk]

Management didn't want a lame duck coach like Tocchet would be if they picked up the option.

Management wanted him back and made him an excellent offer. From what has been said an offer that rivals the best in the league. Tocchet decided to not to stay.

I'm not worried about what players think in the moment...even Hughes. In the end players know that coaches change all the time. And it really depends on who is brought in. Bring in an experienced coach and show your serious and the loss isn't impactful.

Would prefer Brunette if he shakes loose

 

[drax0s]

The issue I have is that by waiting, you are essentially putting your own fate in someone else's hands. This team goes as far as Hughes will take us, make no mistake - he is the franchise. If he decides to walk (and let's face it, why the f*** wouldn't he at this point), this organization is beyond f***ed. They will be left with a capped out roster, no blue chip prospects and no flexibility to do anything but finish 9th-11th every year.

If Hughes walks, finishing anywhere as high as 9th - 11th is a pipe dream.

 

[BoHorvat 53]

It's the bullshit narrative created by some some fans who don't understand hockey and only look at points. The same happened after we lost Hamhuis and Tanev for nothing.

Zadorov is a +25 on a team where 90% of the players are minus since the Bruins have been tanking after McAvoy got injured. A solid and physical defensive defenceman that only struggled vs McDavid's speed but everyone does. His job is not put up points.

The irony in this is using +/- as an indicator is worse than looking at only points.

I'll take the opinions of Bruins fans who think we pulled a fast one on them with letting them sign both Lindholm/Zadorov over "Yeah but he leads the team with a +25!"

 

[notsocommonsense]

The offense under Rick was ass water at best, the defense was fine but the offense was a sputtering mess. Whoever the next coach is, has to create more offense.

That’s what happens when your 1C and 2C mail it in all year

 

[TruGr1t]

Not that hard, apparently. Much like Zadorov, sounds like they came in with a higher bid near the end of negotiations.

Management strategy: Low ball ... low ball ... low ball ... OMG HE'S GONNA LEAVE MEET HIS ASK! We're surprised he didn't stay, we met his ask.

 

[I am toxic]

Had a bit of a tough start but its fairly common for guys to take time to adjust to role teammates and systems and hes like 250 plus so he takes a little longer to get his speed rollin. Same has happened for him a few times now and then he settles in and is a unique weapon that can off set opposition power forwards and makes his teammates all 3" taller and 30lbs heavier. Plus his media presence is engaging and also took heat off others with that willingness

The narrative is complete BS. He might be an anchor someday but he sure as hell in this escalating cap environment worth his pay. I believe it was a huge mistake not getting that deal done. In retrospect the Joshua deal looks worse given the last year and what we ended surrendering for MPettersson in season to end the tire fire on D.
MP is a nice upgrade but with DPetey coming and Willander it would have been nice having a protector/partner that could rotate in and out of the top4 and keep teams from getting too aggressive on Willander or Hughes.

All the calls for toughness here and they let the nucleur deterrant walk over 500k which eventually became a potential McKenna chip added to fix and then there was also the possibility that he may have had the nuts and ability to squash some of what was going on between Miller and Pettersson.

Speculatively it could have all started with that mistake. Hansen has a good point.

 

[IKEA]

Man, if Tampa gets the boot and Cooper gets canned, that would be a dream! BC Boy to add too!

 

[Bubbles]

makes sense vegas would be a preferred spot for Tocchet to live.......

We don't talk about 2006-2008 years, because they simply don't exist. At least for the journalists here in Vancouver, it was never brought up.

 

[Burke's Evil Spirit]

tocchet has lived in vegas for a decade. he's not an 'east coast guy'. he just wanted out of vancouver for some reason

Yeah. He's single, he lives in Vegas in the off-season, his son lives in Seattle ... in no way is he an "East Coast guy".

 

[beachcomber]

He's doesn't have trade protection at all.

But he will in the next long term deal he signs with the Canucks.

He's gonzo one way or another. May as well rip the bandaid off now because he will never win a cup with this ownership.

 

[beachcomber]

Man, if Tampa gets the boot and Cooper gets canned, that would be a dream! BC Boy to add too!

Not a chance in hell that he coaches the Canucks.

 

[F A N]

Not that hard, apparently. Much like Zadorov, sounds like they came in with a higher bid near the end of negotiations.

Management strategy: Low ball ... low ball ... low ball ... OMG HE'S GONNA LEAVE MEET HIS ASK! We're surprised he didn't stay, we met his ask.

If it's about the money then don't BS about family reasons. The team negotiating a team option and then not using it (when the team option is the reason why an extension wasn't really discussed last summer) is confounding.

 

[Scumbag Frank]

TSN panel has Vancouver dead last among desirability of coaching openings (NYR/Boston at the top)
Reasoning:
- Declining team and organization
- Undesirable market
- Ownership won't pay you well

Can't say I disagree.
This franchise is a leaguewide laughing stock and needs a total overhaul - new ownership & management please

 

[sting101]

Tocchet is one of the best communicators and leaders this team could have asked for. As a tactical and systems coach there are flaws that wont be missed on the puck possession side. On the accountability and defensive side he will be missed greatly.

As others have mentioned Coaches come and go and the sun rises another day and maybe a guy like Malhotra or someone else comes in and does a superb job. This is not a huge concern but it is certainly a big loss from what him Foote Gonchar represented. Which is Championship pedigree and players/people that did it with dedication and hard work as players and now as Coaches. These guys command respect there is simply no denying it.

As far as Hughes I dont think he will decide anything concrete with this decision to abandon the team either. His endorsement of Tocchet was merely one of respect and appreciation. And Quinn will respect his decision to leave even if for the time it hurts and it leaves him with distaste for the organization.

The issue that many here are glossing is that there is still dysfunction here at the top and Tocchet leaving says loud and clear that this is not a desirable position for him to be in. It wasn't about money it was about the opportunity and the players managers he has to work with. If he felt he was right there or close with this group it's doubtful he walks away

Does anyone else find it interesting that Tocchet says he's a "Miller guy" and everything he did suggests that was true but then Miller sat at the far end of the bench not wanting to talk to him and then demanded a trade?
It sure puts a lot of credence behind the rumour that Miller was tasked with tough love of EP40 and then lost it when Tocchet decided to bench him against Nashville. That he wouldn't do the same to Pettersson and placated managements big contract guy who wasn't even in shape

Owner wants playoffs and needs to justify ticket price increases. Balks at increased spending for hockey ops without it making it almost impossible to take a step back for JR and Allvin. Yet still wont provide a proper training facility

JR and Allvin fail to take accountability for poor roster decisions that eroded assets and left the team with a dismal defence. Throw players under the bus publicly and fail to address the fractured relationships until it's too late. Then they go their direction which is fair but where did that leave Tocchet

Tocchet left with players and a roster that don't really suit what he wanted from management after eroding OEL Kuzmenko they hold firm and wont move EP40 and Miller goes with more to follow as there will definitely be players who will not support a situation here with Pettersson as the huge contract but equally as big problematic leadership for the team given the last seasons

In a lot of ways Tocchet leaving allows this group to heal or die. No longer do we have a situation of a coach who has to say he wont meet at the 75yard line and have a style that will probably always be counterintuitive to how a guy like Pettersson might be most successful.

But what does that say about the core or what is left of it? About JR and Aquilini and a realistic strategy for a true contender? Once again it seems we are mandated to never relent on the immediate financial goals or perception to the corporate fan base to renew boxes and club seats. What makes people think the next coach will do any better at getting buy in and commitment to winning here.

Still some very concerning relationships to mend build and get on the same page here. How many times are they gonna continue to lack continuity and stability and expect good results and good players to want to come here for more than just a fat pay check.

Don't kid yourself that this was just about money or family or be happy because you didn't like something about his style or lash out. The end of the Tocchet era simply says we are not there yet and now we have another problem to fix

 

[Snatcher Demko]

It's not about family or geography. Bottom line is that Tocchet doesn't believe in management and the roster and how it's been composed.

It's also seemed evident that Tocchet would not or could not connect with EP40.

If they had traded EP40 last offseason perhaps all of this shakes out differently.

I wouldn't call Elias a coach-killer but the franchise making the decision to keep him seems to have had a domino effect in terms of how the debacle has snowballed. I get the sense that EP40 was never high on management and ownership during the Benning years (why would he) and this latest group hasn't been able to deal with him effectively. Ultimately it's on ownership and management to get these decisions right.

Then you have ownership being a cheapskate in all the wrong ways, on top of having no credibility already.

The realistic, bold move is a tear-down and rebuild/retool by trading Hughes and EP40, along with other older vets (Garland, Demko). More likely is that the franchise will dig themselves in deeper by trading picks and prospects to achieve some frustrating level of mediocrity and more future cap constraints with more face-saving questionable contracts.