It appears that if Rick Tocchet doesn't agree to an extension this summer, the team will reportedly pick up his option year and keep him on the team next season. The past few weeks have seen the Vancouver Canucks, led by GM Patrik Allvin, make it clear that <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/vancouver-canucks/vancouver-canucks-linked-to-several-head-coaching-candidates-amidst-rick-tocchet-uncertainty' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>they desire Rick Tocchet back behind the bench.</a> Tocchet has a contract that is guaranteed through June 30 with an option for the 2025-26 season. If he is coaching next season, it will be in Vancouver, either under that option or an extension, per multiple sources. <h3>It appears Rick Tocchet will reportedly be back behind the Canucks bench next season</h3> The club would like to extend him, <a href='https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3255931/amp' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>but will pick up the option if necessary.</a> <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1907148798373273800'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> The reigning Jack Adams Award winner addressed his future on Sportsnet 650 last month, stating he wouldn't discuss it while in the playoff push. I am so dialled in on (making the playoffs) that I really don't want to make it about me right now, Tocchet said at the time. The season has not been kind to the Canucks, with injuries and distractions piling up, adding more issues than anticipated. But still, Tocchet's players are playing hard for him, and that is a sign of his worth behind the bench. Vancouver is reportedly already making an initial offer, setting the table for negotiations. While salary and contract length are significant factors, meeting of the minds on the direction of the franchise will be significant too. Tocchet, ownership, and management must be on the same page regarding the future of the team. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/DonnieandDhali/status/1907151384136319343'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> If he doesn't remain in Vancouver, Tocchet would be an elite coaching candidate elsewhere, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/vancouver-canucks/nhl-insider-drops-massive-update-on-rick-tocchet-contract-extension-after-john-tortorella-firing' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>most prominently in Philadelphia, where he is still a fan favorite.</a> That said, the Canucks have contractual leverage and are making it known they'd prefer him to stay. How this develops remains to be seen.