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Flyers Coaching Candidate: Rick Tocchet

By Scott Cole

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 22: Head coach Rick Tocchet of the Arizona Coyotes watches from the bench during the third period of the NHL game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Gila River Arena on February 22, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Lightning 7-3. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 22: Head coach Rick Tocchet of the Arizona Coyotes watches from the bench during the third period of the NHL game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Gila River Arena on February 22, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Lightning 7-3. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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When it comes to having an “ideal” Flyer in mind, we all know what that looks like. We want someone who can play “lights out”, score when needed, deliver a big bruising hit, and get into a scuffle if it is necessary. More than that, we want someone who puts their all into each and every game. Looking back through the history of the Philadelphia Flyers, we can see people who exemplified this.

We’ve been blessed with great players like Bobby Clarke, Tim Kerr, Rod Brind’amour, and Wayne Simmonds. One of these players would make a great coach for the Flyers next season: Rick Tocchet,

Tocchet played 18 years in the NHL, with 11 of these donning a Flyers jersey. He was a four time all-star, scored 440 goals and 952 points (232 and 508 with Philly). He is the NHL’s all time leader in the “Gordie Howe Hat Trick” (a goal scored, and assist, and a fight). He was one of the toughest Flyers in the 80s who would never back down from a good donnybrook. He is one of those guys who, if you look at his overall career, is a “border line hall of famer”. He was consistently good for many years, putting up good numbers.

After his career, he was involved in several teams as a coach. His tenures as team captain and assistant captains for several of his teams naturally showed his leadership abilities. He was an assistant head coach for the Avalanche for two years before becoming an assistant head coach for the Coyotes in 2005.

In 2008, while serving as associate coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning, he was named head coach after Barry Melrose was fired part way into the season. He would serve out that year and the next as coach of the Bolts. Following the 2009-10 season, he was let go.

He would find a new coaching gig in the desert in Arizona. He coached for four years and took the Coyotes to the playoffs once. At the end of the 2020-21 season, they parted ways. His overall record as a head coach is 178-200-60.

Why He Should Be The Flyers Next Coach

The Flyers have always embraced being gritty. He was one of the grittiest players that has ever played in Philadelphia. He would bring that gritty element to his players.

When looking at him, it would be easy to draw comparisons to Carolina’s Rod Brind’amour. Brind’amour was a tough player, much like Tocchet. He has an old-school coaching style that has resonated well with his players. As a result, the Canes are one of the best teams in the league and they turned it around rather quickly.

With a strong core of vets and young players, Tocchet could whip this group into shape and bring this team back.

Why He Shouldn’t Be The Flyers Next Coach

His coaching record leaves a lot to speak for. To be fair, it’s not like the Coyotes front office really helped him out a lot of those seasons. Still, a good coach should be able to get the most out of their players.

Plus, is it good to trot out another retread? Maybe someone new to the NHL field would be better than someone who has tried and failed in the past.

Final Verdict

With Tocchet’s history, he would be a good fit. He’s always involved in alumni activities. His presence would be the driving force needed to reinvigorate this team.

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