Rick Tocchet

Rick Tocchet is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and current NHL head coach.

Rick Tocchet is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and current NHL head coach. He played 18 seasons as a physical power forward, primarily for the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins, and won the Stanley Cup in 1992. In 2024, Tocchet received the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's top coach after leading the Vancouver Canucks to the Pacific Division title.

Playing career

Tocchet was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1983 and played in the NHL from 1984 to 2002, primarily as a right winger. Over 1,144 regular-season games, he scored 440 goals and 952 points, earning a reputation as a tough, physical power forward and a strong team leader.

Post-playing career

After retiring as a player, Tocchet moved into coaching and later served as head coach for multiple NHL teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning, Arizona Coyotes, Vancouver Canucks and Philadelphia Flyers. He was named head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers in May 2025 and previously led the Vancouver Canucks to the Pacific Division title in 2023–24, winning the Jack Adams Award as the league's top coach.

Achievements and style of play

Tocchet is notable for combining scoring with toughness, finishing his NHL career with 440 goals and 2,912 penalty minutes. He holds the NHL record for most Gordie Howe hat tricks (18) and is credited as a key contributor to the Pittsburgh Penguins' 1992 Stanley Cup championship.

International play

Tocchet represented Canada in major international tournaments, winning the Canada Cup with the team in both 1987 and 1991. He was born in Scarborough, Ontario, and remains a notable figure in Canadian hockey.