Career Timeline of Rick Tocchet: Major Achievements and Milestones

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Rick Tocchet

How Rick Tocchet built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Rick Tocchet is a Canadian former professional hockey player and current coach. Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1983, he played for several NHL teams, including the Penguins, Kings, Bruins, Capitals, and Coyotes. He has coached the Tampa Bay Lightning, Arizona Coyotes, and Vancouver Canucks. Tocchet has also worked as an analyst for Comcast SportsNet and NHL on TNT. His accomplishments include winning the Jack Adams Award in 2024 as coach of the year.

9 hours ago : Rick Tocchet departs Canucks; Flyers coaching job possible, according to sources.

Rick Tocchet will not return as the Vancouver Canucks coach. Speculation arises about Tocchet potentially coaching the Philadelphia Flyers. His future in NHL coaching remains uncertain with multiple possibilities.

1983: Tocchet Drafted by Philadelphia Flyers

In 1983, Rick Tocchet was drafted in the sixth round (121st overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers in the NHL entry draft.

1984: Tocchet joins the Flyers

In 1984, after registering 108 points with Sault Ste. Marie, Rick Tocchet joined the Philadelphia Flyers, scoring 39 points and helping the team to the Stanley Cup Finals.

1992: Tocchet Traded to Pittsburgh Penguins

In 1992, Rick Tocchet was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with Kjell Samuelsson and Ken Wregget, in exchange for Mark Recchi. He helped the Penguins win the Stanley Cup.

March 1, 1997: Tocchet traded to Washington Capitals

On March 1, 1997, Rick Tocchet, along with Adam Oates and Bill Ranford, was traded from the Boston Bruins to the Washington Capitals for Anson Carter, Jason Allison, Jim Carey, a third-round selection in the 1997 draft and a conditional second-round pick in the 1998 draft.

June 15, 1997: Tocchet becomes a free agent

On June 15, 1997, Rick Tocchet became an unrestricted free agent.

March 8, 2000: Tocchet returns to Flyers

On March 8, 2000, Rick Tocchet returned to the Philadelphia Flyers in a trade that sent Mikael Renberg to the Phoenix Coyotes.

2002: Tocchet becomes assistant coach for Colorado Avalanche

In 2002, Rick Tocchet became an assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche.

December 17, 2005: Tocchet becomes interim head coach for Phoenix

On December 17, 2005, Rick Tocchet took over as interim head coach for the Phoenix Coyotes.

February 6, 2008: Tocchet Reinstated as Assistant Coach

During a press conference on February 6, 2008, it was announced that Rick Tocchet would be reinstated and would serve as assistant coach the next day, exactly two years after taking the leave of absence.

July 9, 2008: Tocchet Named Associate Coach of Tampa Bay Lightning

On July 9, 2008, Rick Tocchet was named as the associate coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

May 11, 2009: Tocchet Signs Two-Year Deal with Lightning

On May 11, 2009, Rick Tocchet had the interim tag removed and was signed to a two-year deal by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

April 12, 2010: Tocchet Relieved of Coaching Duties

On April 12, 2010, Rick Tocchet was relieved of his coaching duties by the new ownership of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

June 25, 2014: Tocchet Hired by Pittsburgh Penguins as Assistant Coach

On June 25, 2014, Rick Tocchet was hired by the Pittsburgh Penguins to be an assistant coach.

June 12, 2016: Tocchet Wins Stanley Cup with Penguins

On June 12, 2016, Rick Tocchet won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins as an assistant coach.

June 11, 2017: Tocchet Wins Second Stanley Cup with Penguins

On June 11, 2017, Rick Tocchet won his second Stanley Cup as an assistant coach when the Penguins defeated the Nashville Predators in six games.

July 11, 2017: Tocchet Named Head Coach for Arizona Coyotes

On July 11, 2017, Rick Tocchet was named head coach for the Arizona Coyotes.

February 29, 2020: Tocchet Earns 100th Win as Coyotes Head Coach

On February 29, 2020, Rick Tocchet earned his 100th win as head coach of the Arizona Coyotes in a 5–2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres.

2021: Tocchet Joins TNT as Studio Analyst

In 2021, Rick Tocchet joined TNT's hockey coverage as a studio analyst.

January 22, 2023: Tocchet Named Head Coach of Vancouver Canucks

On January 22, 2023, Rick Tocchet was named head coach of the Vancouver Canucks to replace Bruce Boudreau.

2024: Tocchet Wins Jack Adams Award

During the 2023-24 season, Rick Tocchet received the Jack Adams Award as the NHL coach of the year.

April 28, 2025: Canucks Announce Tocchet Will Not Return as Head Coach

On April 28, 2025, the Vancouver Canucks announced that Rick Tocchet would not return as head coach.