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Insider Reveals Rick Tocchet to Receive Blockbuster Contract

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated May 9, 2025 3:27 PM ET

NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently revealed the massive contract Rick Tocchet is expected to get, and it could be for a minimum of five years and many millions.

Rick Tocchet remains one of the most sought-after coaches in the wake of high-profile signings like Mike Sullivan in New York and Joel Quenneville in Anaheim.

His success with the Vancouver Canucks has attracted the interest of numerous clubs looking for an experienced hand on the bench.

Tocchet, who played 1,144 games in his NHL career as a forward, has been rumored for openings with the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins, both of his former teams he played for.

He has been a head coach for Arizona and Tampa Bay, with a 286-265-87 record and winning the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's top coach during the 2023-24 season with the Canucks.

The Boston Bruins, who had a tough season last year, losing some of their veterans, including captain Brad Marchand, could be one of the bidders.

Having David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman under contract and with $28 million in salary space, Boston is looking to rebuild around its core and make the playoffs.

Frank Seravalli believes Tocchet could be one of the highest paid coaches ever

Insider Frank Seravalli predicts Tocchet signing a minimum of a five-year deal worth over $6 million annually. He is probably going to be getting some huge contracts that are going to shift the payrolls of coaches throughout the NHL.

'I think he's going to have multiple mega offers that are game changers for the coaching pay scale.'
'I'm going to project that Rick Tocchet is on at least a five-year deal and north of 6 million per year.'

- Frank Seravalli

Seattle and Philadelphia have already interviewed him, and that speaks volumes that teams are willing to pay big amounts of money to have him on their rosters.

For those thinking about a push to the playoffs, Tocchet is a game-changer as a hire.

Those looking down the road at long-term rebuilding can look to an emerging assistant as their future head coach, but those teams dead set on making it happen now won't blink at pursuing Tocchet.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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