When the Vancouver Canucks hit the ice for coaching camp subsequent fall, they’ll achieve this with out Jack Adams Award-winning head coach Rick Tocchet.
The membership formally introduced on Tuesday that Tocchet wouldn’t return subsequent season after the 2 sides failed to return to an settlement on a contract extension.
“After a really lengthy and thorough course of, sadly Rick has determined to depart the Vancouver Canucks,” Jim Rutherford, the membership’s president of hockey operations, mentioned in a media launch.
“That is very disappointing information, however we respect Rick’s resolution to maneuver to a brand new chapter in his hockey profession. We did every part in our energy to maintain him, however on the finish of the day, Rick felt he wanted a change.”
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Tocchet joined the Canucks in January 2023, after the membership fired Bruce Boudreau.
The next season, he coached the staff on a outstanding run that noticed them win the Pacific Division and take the Edmonton Oilers to Recreation 7 of the second spherical of the playoffs, incomes the NHL’s award for simplest coach.
Rutherford praised him as “ buddy, coach,” including, “we are able to’t thank him sufficient for all he did for our group.”
Tocchet thanked the gamers, teaching workers and administration, however mentioned along with his contract lapsing, now was the “opportune time” to maneuver on.
“Whereas I don’t know the place I’m headed, or precisely how this may play out for me over the close to time period, I really feel like that is the best time for me to discover different alternatives in and round hockey,” he mentioned in an announcement.
“And to the Canucks followers — your infectious spirit, loyal dedication and can to win stored me and your entire staff on our toes. I recognize how you have got made yourselves a driving pressure within the Canucks group.”
Canucks administration have but to supply particulars on the hunt for the membership’s subsequent bench boss.
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