May 14, 2025 | 4:05pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

FLYERS HIRE TOCCHET AS NEW HEAD COACH

Rick Tocchet

The Philadelphia Flyers have named Rick Tocchet the 25th head coach in franchise history, signing him to a multi-year contract.

Tocchet, 61, coached the Vancouver Canucks for the past three seasons, while also coaching the Tampa Bay Lightning (2008-10) and Arizona Coyotes (2017-2021). He has compiled a career record of 286-265-87 in 638 regular season games.

“I am very happy to welcome Rick Tocchet as our head coach,” said Flyers GM Danny Briere. “During this process it became clear that Rick was the absolute right coach to lead our team. He has enjoyed the highest level of success both as a player and coach. Rick’s ability to teach and understand his players, combined with his passion for winning, brings out the best in young players at different stages of their development and has earned the respect and confidence of highly talented All-Stars and veteran players alike.”

With the Canucks, Tocchet led the team to the Pacific Division title with a 50-win, 109-point season and 50-23-9 record during the 2023-24 season. Following the 2023-24 regular season, he was awarded the NHL’s Jack Adams Award as Coach of the Year.

“I’ve always been a Flyer at heart and have taken that passion and energy that embodies this city and organization with me throughout my career,” said Tocchet. “I want to thank Danny Briere, Keith Jones and Dan Hilferty for this honor and opportunity. I couldn’t be more excited to lead this team back among the NHL elite where we belong. We have a lot of work to do and much to accomplish, but I am confident in the direction we are heading and determined to get us there.”