Canucks President Hints at Head Coach Targets After Rick Tocchet's Decision

Rick Tocchet is officially out as the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, and the search for a new head coach is already underway.After meetings last weekend with Canucks management, Tocchet informed president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford on Tuesday that he would not be returning.Rutherford announced the news during a press conference on Tuesday, revealing what led to this situation and hinting at what's next for the Canucks.Tocchet cited personal reasons and a desire to explore other opportunities around hockey" while prioritizing his family.Jim Rutherford says Mike Sullivan wants to stay in the east.

Vancouver likely won't be an option for him.

pic.twitter.com/sHCd6DyFZp CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) April 29, 2025The Canucks are the eighth NHL team actively searching for a head coach.

According to The Athletic's Harman Dayal, Rutherford noted "they would be careful not to rush" the hiring process.

That said, the Canucks intend to move quickly enough to ensure the new coach can contribute to offseason roster planning.Its important for the coach to get input on the players he wants, not for the general manager to just make trades and say, Heres your guys, you make the adjustments, Rutherford said.Manny Malhotra has been named head coach of the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks.

pic.twitter.com/V37FpK5hPe Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 24, 2024Dayal revealed that one popular name already being discussed is Abbotsford Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra.

Rutherford confirmed Malhotra is on the shortlist, praising his development work and leadership experience, even if he lacks NHL head coaching experience.There are coaches presently in the league that were not head coaches in the NHL that are doing a good job, Rutherford said.

Its not just coaching in the NHL; what experience do people have as leaders on teams when they played, for example.Former Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan (left) talks with center Sidney Crosby (87) at the PPG Paints Arena.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images One name the Canucks wont be pursuing is former Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan.Despite Rutherfords close relationship with the former Penguins coach, he doesn't expect Sullivan to leave the East after being fired on Monday.I know my good friend Mike Sullivan does not want to leave the East, said Rutherford.

Hes a good family man.That said, Rutherford said they will start to work on the coaching search immediately.Well start to do a shortlist, Rutherford said.

I would expect our phones will ring on a regular basis for people that want this job.

Well narrow it down fairly quick and start the process from there.Related: Canucks President Admits Quinn Hughes Didn't Return Call After Coaching MoveRelated: Canucks' Immediate Reaction to NHL's Quinn Hughes Announcement.

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