Tocchet Leaves For Arizona, Pens Name Recchi Assistant Coach
Another report has surfaced about Pittsburgh Penguins assistant coach Rick Tocchet possibly leaving the team for Arizona.
www.cbsnews.comHere’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting up to 2025:
- Rick Tocchet did not return as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks for the 2025-26 season, with official statements indicating he left to pursue a new chapter in his hockey career. This was reported by The Hockey News and corroborated by multiple outlets at the time.[1][3]
- Subsequent press and commentary suggested Tocchet had unfinished business with Vancouver and that talks around a return or future opportunities were part of ongoing discussions in the spring of 2025.[4]
- Earlier in his coaching career, Tocchet had coaching stints with other NHL teams (notably Pittsburgh and Arizona), which is often referenced when discussing his career trajectory, but those earlier moves are separate from the Vancouver situation.[2]
If you’d like, I can narrow this to a specific timeframe (e.g., spring 2025 news) or focus on a particular outlet and provide direct excerpts. I can also look for more recent developments if you specify whether Tocchet has since taken a new role or remained a free agent.
Citations:
- The Hockey News reporting Vancouver Canucks not returning Tocchet for 2025-26.[1]
- Additional coverage discussing Tocchet’s departure and statements from Canucks leadership.[3]
- Context on Tocchet’s earlier coaching moves (Penguins to Coyotes).[2]