History of Rick Tocchet in Timeline

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.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

April 9, 1964: Rick Tocchet Born

On April 9, 1964, Richard Tocchet was born. He is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player.

1977: Tocchet plays in Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 1977, Rick Tocchet played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Toronto.

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.

2001: Tocchet retires after 2001-02 season

Rick Tocchet retired after the 2001-02 NHL season, being one of several players in NHL history to collect 400 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes.

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, 2006: Tocchet Accused of Financing Sports Gambling Ring

On February 6, 2006, Rick Tocchet was served with a criminal complaint, accused of financing a nationwide sports gambling ring based in New Jersey.

May 25, 2007: Tocchet Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy and Promoting Gambling

On May 25, 2007, Rick Tocchet pleaded guilty to conspiracy and promoting gambling in New Jersey.

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.