VANCOUVER – As April begins and NHL teams gear up for the playoffs, Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet addressed questions about injured centers Elias Pettersson and Filip Chytil, and the implications of the remaining eight games for the next season.
Tocchet was also questioned about his contract, brought to the forefront by Elliotte Friedman’s report that the Canucks intend to honor the option year in his contract, even without an extension agreement.
April 1st served as a stark reminder of the Canucks` season, which has felt like a cruel joke, with few reasons to celebrate.
The team, which started the season with Stanley Cup aspirations, now faces a significant challenge to overcome a six-point gap to reach the Western Conference playoffs.
There is little to find amusing in their current situation.
“It’s been a significant downturn,” Tocchet commented on the drop from last season’s 109 points and second-round playoff appearance. “But you gain insights as a coach, and about the players. We learn as a team. We all need to reflect on how to improve. There will be time later to discuss what could have been done differently. Right now, my focus is on Seattle. We’ll address other matters later.”
The Seattle Kraken, one of several non-playoff teams that have defeated the Canucks recently, are scheduled to play at Rogers Arena on Wednesday, marking the start of a crucial three-game home stand that Vancouver must win decisively. With only eight games left, the Canucks, holding a 34-17-13 record, likely need at least seven wins, and even then, 95 points might not guarantee a playoff spot.
Speculation about Tocchet’s future intensified after the Philadelphia Flyers, his former team as a player, dismissed coach John Tortorella the previous week.
Tocchet had mentioned in March that he would postpone contract talks with General Manager Patrik Allvin and President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford until the end of the season.
“It’s a private matter,” the coach restated on Tuesday. “I’m being honest when I say I’m focused on getting this team into the playoffs. Discussions about direction will happen with Jim and Patrik later. We have a long history together, so those conversations will occur. But now, my priority is figuring out how to beat Seattle. That’s genuinely where my head is at.”
“Vancouver is a fantastic city. The city is wonderful, and the fans are incredible. It’s a great place. But there are future discussions to be had, and now isn`t the appropriate moment.”
When the time is right, the conversation between Tocchet and management will likely center more on the team’s future direction and the plans Allvin and Rutherford have for reshaping the roster after this season’s unexpected challenges (like the J.T. Miller trade), rather than just financial terms.
Despite any affection Tocchet might have for Philadelphia and the Flyers, he is a seasoned coach eager to win. He has already overseen a significant rebuild with the Arizona Coyotes, starting when Clayton Keller and Jakob Chychrun were emerging talents in 2017. Tocchet found that challenge rewarding enough to leave after four years, taking a year and a half away from coaching and declining several offers until Rutherford and Allvin persuaded him to coach the Canucks.
Tocchet might end up in Philadelphia, or he might not. However, Canucks management holds considerable leverage with the option year on his contract for next season. He cannot coach elsewhere without their permission, nor can he engage in talks with other teams.
Tocchet’s immediate focus is on his current team, engaging with players, including Pettersson, besides discussions with Allvin, Rutherford, and owner Francesco Aquilini.
Pettersson, with 15 goals and 45 points in 65 games in the first year of his substantial $92.8 million contract, presents a critical issue for the organization to resolve, especially before his no-movement clause becomes active on July 1.
While management is keen to secure Tocchet with a multi-year extension, the coach needs to evaluate his own contribution to this season’s outcomes.
“When a team lacks consistency, and focus seems to waver, you have to consider the coach’s role,” Tocchet mentioned last week in New York. “I take that seriously. I will reflect on certain aspects. I`ve considered if I should have been tougher in training camp and at the season`s start. However, given last year’s momentum, I hesitated to push too hard. In today’s environment, you need to be cautious and strategic in your approach.
“This isn’t the right time for deep reflection, but I will do it. Right now, my focus is entirely on this team. But I’ll need to assess my actions and what I might have done differently. Ultimately, it`s possible that nothing could have changed the outcome. The team faced unforeseen challenges, and it’s unclear if anyone could have averted them. I’m not certain if that’s the case, but we definitely need a thorough review, and I must be part of it.”
In that same interview, Tocchet affirmed, “I’m not a quitter.”
He clarified on Tuesday that the option year on his contract has not yet been activated.
Tocchet’s perspective on the final eight games indicates he sees himself as the Canucks’ coach beyond this season.
“Who is fully committed, and who isn’t? These eight games will reveal that,” Tocchet told reporters. “For instance, Dakota Joshua is starting to improve. These are significant games for him, beneficial for next season. These eight games are crucial for me to assess everyone’s commitment, 100 percent.”
ICE CHIPS – Tocchet stated that it’s “unlikely” Chytil will play again this season after suffering his fifth career concussion on March 15. He noted Chytil experiences both good and bad days but mentioned, “I spoke with him today, and he feels this concussion is different from his last. The bad days are less severe, which is a positive sign.” As for Pettersson, who was performing exceptionally before an upper-body injury 10 days prior, Tocchet mentioned he has only had a couple of light skates and still feels “discomfort.” While the Canucks list Pettersson as day-to-day, Tocchet couldn’t confirm if he will play again this season. Injured winger Nils Hoglander practiced in a non-contact jersey on Tuesday for the first time since the Rangers game but will not play against Seattle.