The Vancouver Canucks are officially entering the search for a new head coach for the 2025–26 NHL season, joining seven other teams after Rick Tocchet decided to leave the organization rather than extend his expiring contract.
Tocchet’s exit leaves Vancouver in a tricky position, especially with competition tightening across the league for top coaching talent. According to Canucks president Jim Rutherford, there are multiple names in the mix — some familiar, others more surprising.
Among the veteran options is Peter Laviolette, who recently parted ways with the New York Rangers following an inconsistent stint that nonetheless included a division title, a Presidents’ Trophy, and two playoff series wins in 2023–24. “It’s a good name,” Rutherford acknowledged when asked about Laviolette, signaling he’s under consideration despite his uneven record in New York.
A more intriguing internal candidate is Manny Malhotra, currently in his first season as head coach of the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks. Malhotra, a former Canuck and development coach with the organization, led Abbotsford to an impressive 44-win campaign and has helped cultivate a group of young players including Elias Pettersson, Aatu Raty, and Jonathan Lekkerimaki. Rutherford confirmed Malhotra will be on the shortlist, though elevating a rookie coach in the midst of a possible retool could be a bold — and risky — decision.
While the coaching market offers options, none come without complications. For Tocchet, one reported sticking point was Vancouver’s lack of a dedicated practice facility, an issue that led to logistical frustrations during the season. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman noted Tocchet raised this concern during negotiations, and the team’s inability to offer a timeline for a new facility likely contributed to his decision to move on.
The timing of Tocchet’s exit is made more precarious by the recent dismissal of Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan — a close friend and former colleague of Tocchet from their time together in Pittsburgh. Given Tocchet’s deep ties to the Penguins and his personal success there as both a player and assistant coach, speculation has ramped up about a possible reunion.
Tocchet is now expected to draw interest from several teams, including the Flyers, Rangers, Bruins, Ducks, and possibly the Blackhawks. His desire to win a Stanley Cup before retiring may influence his final decision.
With the coaching carousel now in full swing and new contenders like the Penguins entering the fray, the Canucks face increased pressure to act decisively. Whether they choose experience in someone like Laviolette or gamble on a fresh face like Malhotra, Vancouver’s next move will shape not just the bench, but the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
Would you like a visual breakdown of the top candidates and their coaching resumes?
Leave a Reply