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Canucks' Coach Might Not Execute Contract Extension Option: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 13, 2025 9:00 AM ET

Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet, the reigning Jack Adams Award winner, finds himself at a crossroads as his contract expires at the end of this season.

Tocchet’s situation adds another dimension to a Canucks campaign already marred by speculation and drama surrounding the team’s stars and overall performance.

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun talked about the potential conundrum the Canucks are facing by not having inked their head coach to an extension yet during "Insider Trading" on TSN.

LeBrun pointed out that Tocchet’s deal includes a mutual option for next season, making it clear both the Canucks and Tocchet would need to agree for him to return next campaign.

“It wasn’t meant to be a revelation,” LeBrun said. “But the fact is, Rick Tocchet’s deal expires at the end of the season, although there is an option for next year.

”That’s for the two parties to figure out."

Tocchet joined the Canucks midseason in January 2023, replacing Bruce Boudreau. His first full campaign was a success, with the Canucks winning the Pacific Division and reaching the second round of the playoffs.

In an article published at The Athletic on Wednesday, LeBrun noted that it isn't unusual for coaches to wait until the season is over to make a final decision, hinting at a potential departure depending on how the coach sees the team's future considering this year's struggles.

“Coaches work to the end of their deals all the time before signing extensions," LeBrun wrote. ”It could very well be that the Canucks extend him at some point.

”But if this drama-filled season doesn’t straighten itself out, how does Tocchet view things in Vancouver? Just something to file away.”

Vancouver’s 19-13-10 record has the team outside of the Pacific's top-three teams and second in the wild-card race, only one point above third-place Calgary in the standings.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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