Nils Hoglander Initiates Candid Conversation with Canucks Head Coach Rick Tocchet About Struggles & Ice Time
Canucks insider Jeff Paterson reported today that Nils Höglander took the initiative to have a candid conversation with head coach Rick Tocchet about his recent struggles on the ice.
According to Tocchet, his plan is to try giving Höglander and his line more minutes, especially with the return of Dakota Joshua tonight.
Höglander's season so far has been a bit of a puzzle. Last year, he showed flashes of being a top scorer with 24 goals-all at even strength-while averaging just 12 minutes per game. It felt like the start of something big, and fans were hoping this would be his true breakout year. But with just five points in 14 games, Höglander hasn't yet reached that next level, and at times, it seems like he's found himself in Tocchet's "doghouse."
Höglander is one of those players who clearly has the tools to succeed offensively. At his best, he's dynamic and scrappy, despite his smaller size. He's not afraid to play with an edge, which keeps him relevant in the bottom-six role, even when the points aren't there. But like many NHLers with potential, he's struggling to fully translate that skill into consistent top-line results.
Adding to the complexity is Höglander's new three-year extension, which doesn't take effect until next season. It gives the Canucks options; he's an appealing trade piece for a lower-end team that might want to experiment with him in a top-six role, and his cap-friendly contract could make him an attractive prospect for other clubs.
The spotlight will be on Höglander to see if he can find that spark with more ice time. Whether he sticks with the Canucks long-term or becomes an intriguing trade chip, the next few games could be critical in shaping his role on this team-and perhaps his NHL future.
