(photo: @Canucks, x.com)

Rick Tocchet has officially stepped down as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks. The team chose not to exercise the option on his contract for the 2025–26 season but offered him a new long-term deal, which Tocchet declined. He cited a desire to prioritize family and explore other opportunities in hockey.

“I’m choosing to move on from the Vancouver Canucks,” Tocchet said in a statement. “Family is a priority, and with my contract lapsing, this becomes the opportune time. While I don’t know where I’m headed, or exactly how this will play out for me over the near term, I feel like this is the right moment to step away.”

Tocchet joined the Canucks in January 2023 and led the team to a Pacific Division title in the 2023–24 season, earning the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year. However, the following season saw the Canucks miss the playoffs, finishing with a 38–30–14 record.

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the season, Tocchet said, “It’s been a hard year, but it’s also been a year where you can improve by learning these lessons, the adversity.”

In his farewell statement, Tocchet expressed gratitude to the organization and its players:

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Vancouver Canucks organization, starting with Francesco and Luigi Aquilini, Jim Rutherford, and Patrik Allvin. It’s been a pleasure and great learning experience to work with you all.

To the players – thank you. Regardless of our results, I always felt your heart and effort was there. I was honoured to be your coach.

To the coaching staff and support staff – you guys are first class, and you made it easy and enjoyable to come to work every day.

To the media, I appreciate your work and your diligence, your easy – and your difficult – questions. You guys do a great job, thank you.

And to the Canucks fans – your infectious spirit, loyal commitment and will to win kept me and the entire team on our toes. I appreciate how you have made yourselves a driving force in the Canucks community.

I’ve enjoyed my time here, and I wish everyone the best.“

The Canucks have not yet named a replacement for Tocchet. The coaching vacancy adds to a growing list of NHL teams seeking new head coaches for the upcoming season.

For more updates: https://www.nhl.com/canucks/can