Former Canucks Assistant Coach Abandons The Team To Join Rick Tocchet In Philadelphia

Svejkovsky, whom Tocchet promoted in his last season behind the Canucks' bench, played a key role in running Vancouver's power play, which was 15th in the NHL at 22.5%.

Many believed Svejkovsky wanted to be part of Foote's staff

Tocchet praised Svejkovsky throughout the season, and it was widely assumed that the 48-year-old would be remaining with Adam Foote's team in 2025.

Now he'll be traveling to Philadelphia to reunite with Tocchet as a new member of the coaching staff.

Before he was appointed as assistant coach, Svejkovsky was quite the skills coach for the Vancouver Canucks and their AHL club in Abbotsford.

When appointed, both GM Patrik Allvin and Tocchet highly regarded his development work as well as his impact on players.

'Since I arrived in Vancouver, I have been very impressed with Yogi's work ethic and willingness to do anything and everything to help us become a better team,' Tocchet said.

'After exploring all of our options, it became clear very quickly that the best candidate was already in our organization. The ability to promote from within will help us in the transition, as Yogi has a great understanding of our systems and the way we want to play,' Allvin said

A former first-round Washington Capitals draft pick in 1996, Svejkovsky played four seasons in the NHL with 23 goals and 42 points in 113 games. His career was cut short in 2002 when he was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome.

Meanwhile, the Canucks are retooling their bench. On Tuesday, news came out that former Bruins assistant Kevin Dean will be part of Foote's staff to handle the defense.

That was promptly followed by signing veteran defenseman Derek Forbort, who played for Dean in Boston.