After the New York Rangers decided to part ways with Peter Laviolette following a disappointing 2024–25 season, speculation has already begun about who might replace him. One name being floated is the Vancouver Canucks head coach and 2024 Coach of the Year. Arthur Staple of The Athletic pointed out a possible link between him and the Rangers, citing past interactions and recent developments. He is interviewed for the Rangers job that eventually went to Gerard Gallant four years ago, so GM Chris Drury knows him well,” Staple wrote. “His success in Vancouver—where he also earned praise from current Ranger J.T. Miller—has likely boosted his reputation across the league.” While the Canucks reportedly hope to retain Tocchet, the 61-year-old coach might be open to exploring new opportunities.
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Rick Tocchet’s contract with the Vancouver Canucks runs through the end of June, and while the team holds a club option for the 2025–26 season, they have yet to activate it. Tocchet addressed his future during Friday’s end-of-season media session, leaving things somewhat open-ended. “I definitely want to be back,” he said. “But there’s a process I need to go through with Jim (Rutherford) and Patrik (Allvin), and that’s where things stand right now. I need to take a moment to step back. Out of respect, I have to go through that process. I know the next question is, ‘How long will it take?’—but there’s just a process to follow.”
Meanwhile, the Rangers parted ways with head coach Peter Laviolette after the team failed to reach the playoffs despite a strong start to the season. Laviolette finishes his stint in New York with a 94–59–11 regular-season record and a 10–5–1 showing in the playoffs. The Rangers now join several teams—including the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Chicago Blackhawks—in the hunt for a new head coach.
