‘It’s not a quick fix’: Canucks introduce Rick Tocchet as 21st head coach

Tocchet joins the Canucks organization after the mid-season firing of Bruce Boudreau. Boudreau led the Canucks to a record of 50-40-13 in 103 games. Additionally, assistant coach Trent Cull was also relieved of his duties. Tocchet brings former National Hockey League (NHL) defensemen and Stanley Cup champions Adam Foote and Sergei Gonchar to his staff. The 18-year NHL veteran was the head coach of the Arizona Coyotes from 2017-2021, he led them to a record of 125-131-34 in 290 games. In 2020, he helped the Coyotes reach the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2012. Allvin spoke highly of Tocchet in a press release Sunday morning regarding his hiring:

“Rick Tocchet brings a wealth of knowledge to this team from both a coach and player perspective. He has had more than two decades of coaching experience, guiding teams of various styles,” Allvin said. “As a player, he displayed a high level of character, grit and intensity, while recording impressive offensive numbers.”

Allvin said in the afternoon press conference “I made the decision this morning. The Canucks needed a new voice to see if we could get the players to buy in. I believe Tocchet is the right fit for this group right now and in the future.” Allvin was asked by Tocchet if this was a ‘quick fix’ to which he responded with “it’s not a quick fix.”

Tocchet took to questions next and started by saying, “I’m so excited to be a part of the Canucks.” He details the beautiful city, amenities, and what a great place Vancouver is to play hockey. Tocchet stated that he wants to create a “safe environment” for the locker room and also added, “I have a certain way that I like the team to practice.”

When asked about the leadership in Vancouver and the reason behind agreeing to coach he stated, “Being in a Canadian market, I’ve never been in that. If you can win in a Canadian market, it’s special. My relationship with Jim and Patrik over the years in Pittsburgh, my relationship with Travis Green, he couldn’t have said better things and just little things like that. There’s a smorgasbord of stuff that helps make that decision for sure.” Tocchet said.

Tocchet was asked about his plan for the remainder of the season and how he would execute it, “You can’t swallow a whole elephant in one bite. We need to take small bites every day.” He acknowledged the trade deadline and how he potentially could lose some star power but spoke on how it would be a good part of learning what each player on the team can handle. In regards to the Canucks practices, Tocchet detailed “I’m going to rely on (Elias) Pettersson and (Quinn) Hughes to raise the bar in practice.”

Rutherford acknowledged the scenes around the firing of Boudreau, “I will apologize to Bruce for this. In my interviews over the season, I’m probably too direct and too honest…I’m sorry I did that,” Rutherford said, further adding “It’s played out in a way that was out of our control. We can only do our business in the way we see fit. We can’t change our business based on speculation.” However, the President of Hockey Ops further expanded on why the coaching change needed to be made, “Part of the reason the coaching change is being made now is that maybe the players who’ve under-performed, maybe that’s just what they are. But maybe you see some improvement.”

The Canucks currently sit sixth in the Pacific Division with a record of 18-25-3. Tocchet will be behind the bench for his first game as the Canucks head coach Tuesday night against the Chicago Blackhawks.