Vancouver Canucks' Rick Tocchet Sends Strong Message To His Team Ahead of Playoff Elimination Game
Photo credit: Bob Frid - USA TODAY Sports
Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet has opened up on the rollercoaster of a season the team is having thus far, with his future with the organization unclear.
It's been an up and down season for the Vancouver Canucks, with wins, losses, injuries, trades, drama, and everything in between.
Monday night's game against the New Jersey Devils was no exception as Rick Tocchet has Thatcher Demko back from injury, but was left with Pius Suter as his number one centerman due to injuries to Elias Pettersson and Filip Chytil.
Rick Tocchet opens up on Vancouver Canucks' up and down season
In a recent interview with Sportsnet's Iain McIntyre, Rick Tocchet discussed the 2024-25 season so far for the Vancouver Canucks, which has had its fair share of both highs and lows, on and off the ice.
"We've had some parts of this year where that (adversity) stuck in us and affected us. It hurt us, whether a little bit of chemistry or injuries or just little things. I think what we're trying to do is just build that armour." Tocchet said.
Tocchet even shared a nice story about captain Quinn Hughes and the leadership and kindness he brings to the group on a daily basis.
"One thing I love about him - obviously, he's a world-class player - but for me, he's such a sincere kid. I'll grab him the next day after a game... and I'll say: 'Hey, how you doing, buddy?' And he'll go, 'No, how are you doing?'
He's done that to me two or three times, maybe four times. And it's kind of a joke now... but he's such a sincere kid. How do you not love a kid like that? I mean, he's worried about me. He's worried about his coach." Tocchet said according to Iain MacIntyre.
He's done that to me two or three times, maybe four times. And it's kind of a joke now... but he's such a sincere kid. How do you not love a kid like that? I mean, he's worried about me. He's worried about his coach." Tocchet said according to Iain MacIntyre.
One thing that many are curious about is Rick Tocchet's future with the Vancouver Canucks beyond the 2024-25 season, as while his contract is technically up, there is a club option for 2025-26.
Tocchet hasn't been too interested in talking about his contract status, understandably, as his focus right now is getting the Vancouver Canucks into the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a second consecutive season, with Patrik Allvin saying recently that the two sides will sit down and discuss a deal when the time is right.
It's going to be interesting to see where things go on that front, but it's probably safe to say that the Vancouver Canucks would like to keep Rick Tocchet around for at least next season.
Source: Iain MacIntyre/Sportsnet
Canucks' Tocchet 'emptying the tank' amidst season of upheaval
Canucks' Tocchet 'emptying the tank' amidst season of upheaval
| POLL | ||
MARS 26 | 537 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks' Rick Tocchet Sends Strong Message To His Team Ahead of Playoff Elimination Game Should the Vancouver Canucks keep Rick Tocchet around beyond this season? | ||
| Yes | 421 | 78.4 % |
| No | 81 | 15.1 % |
| Depends on how the rest of the season goes | 35 | 6.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
