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Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

NHL Rumors: Tocchet, Canucks, Ovechkin, Capitals, Bedard, Blackhawks

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Jim Parsons | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 3:49 PM ET

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, there are updates on the future of head coach Rick Tocchet in Vancouver. Is he staying or is he going? Meanwhile, Alex Ovechkin was asked about getting to play with Sidney Crosby again and had an interesting response. What did Connor Bedard have to say about rumors he’s frustrated with the Chicago Blackhawks? Finally, the San Jose Sharks have told goaltender Alexandar Georgiev that he won’t be offered a contract for next season.

Tocchet’s Future with the Canucks

According to Farhan Lalji, when it comes to whether or not Tocchet is staying with the Canucks as their head coach, the decision is simple. “Rick this entire off-season needs to come down to five words, Quinn what do you want?..” The franchise is going to revolve around Quinn Hughes and his future plans. If he wants to stay and sees Tocchet as the guy, Tocchet might stick around. If Hughes doesn’t give a definitive answer, Tocchet may move on.

It sounds like the Canucks also upped offer for Tocchet. They have a history of underpaying coaches, but they know they’ll have to get up to a certain level to retain him. Lalji says he is certainly hearing more positive things about Tocchet’s future than negative. John Shannon also reports, “It would not surprise me in the next 7 days we hear that Rick Tocchet is back as the coach of the Vancouver Canucks..” That was two days ago.

Ovechkin Balks at Retirement Talk

When asked about getting the chance to play against Sidney Crosby again in his career, Alex Ovechkin had a quippy response, hinting that he has no plans on going anywhere. As per Wes Crosby, the Washington Capitals superstar said, “I’m not retiring, so…”

It was an odd question, but perhaps one that came about because Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record and thoughts he has nothing left to prove might be out there. He is competitive and wants to win the Stanley Cup. So too, he has another season on his current contract after this one.

Bedard Squashes Rumors of Frustration with Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks superstar Connor Bedard spoke with the media on Thursday and reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise. Amidst rumors that he’s frustrated and with comments of his reactions and body language this season leading to speculation he might be looking to leave, Bedard dismissed rumors that had circulated throughout the season.

“I’ve said it 100 times: I love it here. I want to be here for a long time,” Bedard told reporters. He added, “If I look a little sad on the bench, people sometimes take it out of context. People that know me know that I love being here.”

Bedard sees a bright future with the Blackhawks. He explained:

“With the young guys coming up, there was so much positivity around us, it was great to see their growth and what the future can hold. I’m looking forward to growing up with these guys.”

Sharks Tell Georgiev They Are Moving On

The San Jose Sharks have informed goaltender Alexandar Georgiev that they will not be offering him a contract for next season. The team has decided to let him test free agency and Georgiev, 29, will see what the market has to offer.

Playing for both the Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks, Georgiev went 15-25-4 with an .875 SV%. Those aren’t exactly numbers that will have teams lined up with offers.