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Rick Tocchet Provides A Crucial Update On Extension Talks With The Vancouver Canucks
During the Vancouver Canucks recent end of season press conferences head coach Rick Tocchet addressed his future with the team and how extension talks are going.
The Vancouver Canucks head into the NHL offseason with head coach Rick Tocchet's contract set to expire pending a team option.
Over the last several weeks several sources have indicated that other teams around the NHL are interested in Tocchet's services if the Canucks do not retain him.
Patrik Allvin and the Canucks front office have been clear in the last several weeks that if the two sides are not close to an extension the team would likely decline Tocchet's contract option and look for a more permanent solution behind the bench.
With the deadline to make a decision approaching fans have been on edge trying to understand how far apart the Canucks might be on closing an extension with Tocchet.
In a new interview, Tocchet himself gave an update on how talks are going and how he expects the process to play out in the coming weeks.
Rick Tocchet Provides An Update On Extension Talks With The Vancouver Canucks
During Tocchet's exit interview with the Vancouver media he was asked about the certainty of his future with the Canucks.
In his response, Tocchet was more forthcoming than many expected, confirming he wants to be back in Vancouver and that a decision either way will be announced shortly after the season concludes.
Of course, you want to be back here, but there's a process you have to go through, he said. Obviously, there's a timeframe. But right now for me, there's a process I've got to go through with (team president) Jim (Rutherford) and (GM) Patrik (Allvin), and that's really where it's at.
This answer from Tocchet continues a pattern of the Canucks bench boss planning to stay in Vancouver beyond this season on a long-term contract.
While both Tocchet and Allvin seem committed to getting a deal done ultimately the terms of the deal will be the sticking point and the market being plentiful for Tocchet's services could drive his price up in the end.
Over the next few weeks the Canucks will have a ton of work to do to close the gap on negotiations and as those developments are made we will pass along the latest news and notes regarding Tocchet's future in Vancouver.
Previously on HockeyLatest
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AVRIL 20 | 379 ANSWERS Rick Tocchet Provides A Crucial Update On Extension Talks With The Vancouver Canucks Do you want the Vancouver Canucks to bring back Rick Tocchet as the head coach for the 2025-26 season? | ||
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