Rick Tocchet

Richard Tocchet; born April 9, 1964) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player. He is the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Playing as a right winger, he played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, and Phoenix Coyotes. He was the head coach of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning for two seasons and the Arizona Coyotes for four seasons. During the 2010 playoffs, he was an analyst on Flyers Postgame Live on Comcast SportsNet and was a studio analyst for NHL on TNT.
==Playing career==
Tocchet was born in the Toronto suburb of Scarborough, Ontario. As a youth, Tocchet played in the 1977 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Toronto.
After being drafted in the sixth round (121st overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft, Tocchet returned to the OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds for another year of junior hockey. After registering 108 points with Sault Ste. Marie, Tocchet came to the Flyers for the 1984–85 season, scoring 39 points and helping the team to the Stanley Cup Finals. He was mainly known as a fighter in his early career, but soon developed his skills enough to become a respected power forward, a team leader and a four-time NHL All-Star. He had memorable fights with other power forwards such as Wendel Clark and Cam Neely.
In 1992, Tocchet was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with Kjell Samuelsson and Ken Wregget, in exchange for Mark Recchi. In 14 playoff games, he scored 19 points, helping the Penguins repeat as Stanley Cup champions.
Tocchet became a well-travelled veteran in the league after his stint with the Penguins, taking roles with the Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, and Phoenix Coyotes. He was dealt along with Adam Oates and Bill Ranford from the Bruins to the Capitals for Anson Carter, Jason Allison, Jim Carey, a third-round selection in the 1997 draft (63rd overall–Lee Goren) and a conditional second-round pick in the 1998 draft in a blockbuster deal on March 1, 1997."Bruins deal disgrunted Oates and two others in blockbuster deal," The Associated Press (AP), Saturday, March 1, 1997. Retrieved March 3, 2022.1997 NHL Entry Draft Pick Transactions, June 21 – Pro Sports Transactions. Retrieved March 3, 2022. Both Tocchet and Carter would work together as studio analysts with the NHL on TNT nearly a quarter of a century later beginning in 2021.Clarke, Mary. "TNT's NHL broadcast is already more fun than NBC's ever was, growing pains and all," USA Today, Thursday, September 30, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2022. Tocchet became an unrestricted free agent on June 15, 1997 and signed a three-year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes 23 days later on July 8.Alexander, Rachel. "With Tocchet Gone, Capitals Go Forward," The Washington Post, Tuesday, June 17, 1997. Retrieved March 3, 2022."Coyotes Pick Up Tocchet," The Associated Press (AP), Wednesday, July 9, 1997. Retrieved March 3, 2022. After returning to the Flyers in a trade that sent Mikael Renberg to the Coyotes on March 8, 2000,"Flyers, Coyotes work trade," United Press International (UPI), Wednesday, March 8, 2000. Retrieved March 3, 2022. he added 11 points en route to an Eastern Conference Finals berth. Tocchet retired after the 2001–02 season, being one of several players in NHL history to collect 400 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes including Brendan Shanahan and Gary Roberts.
==Coaching career==
Tocchet became an assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche in 2002–03. In the summer of 2005, he became an assistant coach with the Phoenix Coyotes. On December 17, 2005, Tocchet took over as interim head coach for Phoenix, stepping in while head coach Wayne Gretzky was out on an indefinite leave of absence due to his mother's illness (and subsequent death). The team went 2–3–0 under Tocchet. Gretzky eventually resumed his duties on December 28.
Tocchet was named as the associate coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 9, 2008.Coaching Staff – Tampa Bay Lightning – Team . Lightning.nhl.com. Retrieved on November 24, 2010. On November 16, he was named the interim head coach of the Lightning, replacing Barry Melrose who was fired two days earlier after compiling a 5–7–4 record. Tocchet lost his first game to the Carolina Hurricanes in a shootout.Lightning fire head coach Barry Melrose. Tsn.ca (November 15, 2008). Retrieved on November 24, 2010. Tocchet's first win came two games later on November 21 against the Nashville Predators. However, he would go on to lose his next nine games, and twelve of the next thirteen.2010–2011 Regular Season Schedule/Results – Tampa Bay Lightning – Schedule . Lightning.nhl.com. Retrieved on November 24, 2010. On May 11, 2009 Tocchet had the interim tag removed and was signed to a two-year deal by the Lightning.Lightning signs Tocchet to multi-year deal – NHL.com – News. NHL.com. Retrieved on November 24, 2010. On April 12, 2010 he was relieved of his coaching duties by the new ownership of the Tampa Bay Lightning. On June 25, 2014, he was hired by the Pittsburgh Penguins to be an assistant coach. On June 12, 2016, Tocchet won the Stanley Cup with the Penguins. He won his second Stanley Cup as a coach on June 11, 2017, when the Penguins defeated the Nashville Predators in six games.
On July 11, 2017, Tocchet was named head coach for the Arizona Coyotes. On February 29, 2020, Tocchet earned his 100th win as head coach of the Coyotes in a 5–2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. At the conclusion of the 2020–21 season, Tocchet and the Coyotes mutually agreed to part ways.
On January 22, 2023, Tocchet was named head coach for the Vancouver Canucks.
==Analyst==
After leaving Tampa Bay, Tocchet served alongside Michael Barkann, Al Morganti, Bill Clement, and Steve Coates as a Flyers Postgame Live panelist on Comcast SportsNet.
He joined TNT's hockey coverage in 2021 as a studio analyst.
==Gambling incident==
On February 6, 2006, Tocchet was served with a criminal complaint, accused of financing a nationwide sports gambling ring based in New Jersey in which several current NHL players wagered.Gretzky's wife allegedly placed bets in gambling ring – NHL – ESPN. Sports.espn.go.com (February 9, 2006). Retrieved on November 24, 2010. The ring was discovered by New Jersey state police, in the undercover investigation Operation Slapshot. "It's not a hockey-related issue, it's a football thing. And at this time I can't comment any further," Tocchet told The Arizona Republic after the Coyotes practiced on February 7, 2006.
On May 8, 2006, attorneys for Tocchet and Gretzky's wife Janet Jones filed notices in New Jersey that they intended to sue the state for $50 million each for defamation. Both Tocchet and Jones claimed to have lost business opportunities in the wake of the state's investigation, which had sullied their reputations.Tocchet, Gretzky's wife start suits. Azcentral.com (May 26, 2006). Retrieved on November 24, 2010.
On August 3, 2006, former New Jersey state trooper James Harney pleaded guilty to conspiracy, promoting gambling, and official misconduct, and promised to help authorities with their case against Tocchet and others. Harney said that he and Tocchet were 50–50 partners in the betting ring.
On May 25, 2007, Tocchet pleaded guilty to conspiracy and promoting gambling. New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram announced on August 17, 2007, that Tocchet had been sentenced to two years probation in exchange for his plea. He could have received up to five years in New Jersey state prison, but there is a presumption against incarceration for first-time offenders who plead guilty to such crimes. 
The NHL issued a statement from Gary Bettman, but his spokesman would not answer questions, including if Tocchet had a future in hockey.Yahoo! Sports – Sports News, Scores, Rumors, Fantasy Games, and more . Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved on November 24, 2010.
During a press conference on February 6, 2008, it was announced that Tocchet was to be reinstated, and would serve as assistant coach the next day, exactly two years after taking a leave of absence.. Theglobeandmail.com. Retrieved on November 24, 2010. Among other conditions of his reinstatement, Tocchet was ordered by Bettman to abstain from all forms of gambling.
==Awards==
* 3-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins: 1992 (as player), 2016 (as assistant coach); and 2017 (as assistant coach).
* Selected to four NHL All-Star Games: 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1993
* Inducted into Flyers Hall of Fame: 2021
==Records==
* Philadelphia Flyers all-time leader in Gordie Howe hat tricks – 9
* NHL all-time leader in Gordie Howe hat tricks – 18 (includes post-season)Gordie Howe hat trick
==Career statistics==
===Regular season and playoffs===
  	  	  	 	Regular season	Regular season	Regular season	Regular season	Regular season	 	Playoffs	Playoffs	Playoffs	Playoffs	Playoffs
Season 	Team 	League 	 	GP 	G 	A 	Pts 	PIM 	 	GP 	G 	A 	Pts 	PIM
1980–81 	St. Michael's Midget Buzzers	MTHL 	 	41 	28 	46 	74 	— 	 	— 	— 	— 	— 	—
1980–81 	St. Michael's Buzzers 	MetJHL 	 	5 	1 	1 	2 	2 	 	— 	— 	— 	— 	—
1981–82 	Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 	OHL 	 	59 	7 	15 	22 	184 	 	11 	1 	1 	2 	28
1982–83 	Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 	OHL 	 	66 	32 	34 	66 	146 	 	16 	4 	13 	17 	67
1983–84 	Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 	OHL 	 	64 	44 	64 	108 	209 	 	16 	22 	14 	36 	41
1984–85 	Philadelphia Flyers 	NHL 	 	75 	14 	25 	39 	181 	 	19 	3 	4 	7 	72
1985–86 	Philadelphia Flyers 	NHL 	 	69 	14 	21 	35 	284 	 	5 	1 	2 	3 	26
1986–87 	Philadelphia Flyers 	NHL 	 	69 	21 	28 	49 	288 	 	26 	11 	10 	21 	72
1987–88 	Philadelphia Flyers 	NHL 	 	65 	31 	33 	64 	299 	 	5 	1 	4 	5 	55
1988–89 	Philadelphia Flyers 	NHL 	 	66 	45 	36 	81 	183 	 	16 	6 	6 	12 	69
1989–90 	Philadelphia Flyers 	NHL 	 	75 	37 	59 	96 	196 	 	— 	— 	— 	— 	—
1990–91 	Philadelphia Flyers 	NHL 	 	70 	40 	31 	71 	150 	 	— 	— 	— 	— 	—
1991–92 	Philadelphia Flyers 	NHL 	 	42 	13 	16 	29 	102 	 	— 	— 	— 	— 	—
1991–92 	Pittsburgh Penguins 	NHL 	 	19 	14 	16 	30 	49 	 	14 	6 	13 	19 	24
1992–93 	Pittsburgh Penguins 	NHL 	 	80 	48 	61 	109 	252 	 	12 	7 	6 	13 	24
1993–94 	Pittsburgh Penguins 	NHL 	 	51 	14 	26 	40 	134 	 	6 	2 	3 	5 	20
1994–95 	Los Angeles Kings 	NHL 	 	36 	18 	17 	35 	70 	 	— 	— 	— 	— 	—
1995–96 	Los Angeles Kings 	NHL 	 	44 	13 	23 	36 	117 	 	— 	— 	— 	— 	—
1995–96 	Boston Bruins 	NHL 	 	27 	16 	8 	24 	64 	 	5 	4 	0 	4 	21
1996–97 	Boston Bruins 	NHL 	 	40 	16 	14 	30 	67 	 	— 	— 	— 	— 	—
1996–97 	Washington Capitals 	NHL 	 	13 	5 	5 	10 	31 	 	— 	— 	— 	— 	—
1997–98 	Phoenix Coyotes 	NHL 	 	68 	26 	19 	45 	157 	 	6 	6 	2 	8 	25
1998–99 	Phoenix Coyotes 	NHL 	 	81 	26 	30 	56 	147 	 	7 	0 	3 	3 	8
1999–2000 	Phoenix Coyotes 	NHL 	 	64 	12 	17 	29 	67 	 	— 	— 	— 	— 	—
1999–2000 	Philadelphia Flyers 	NHL 	 	16 	3 	3 	6 	23 	 	18 	5 	6 	11 	49
2000–01 	Philadelphia Flyers 	NHL 	 	60 	14 	22 	36 	83 	 	6 	0 	1 	1 	6
2001–02 	Philadelphia Flyers 	NHL 	 	14 	0 	2 	2 	28 	 	— 	— 	— 	— 	—
NHL totals	NHL totals 	NHL totals	 	1,144 	440 	512 	952 	2,972 	 	145 	52 	60 	112 	471
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
===International===
Year 	Team 	Event 	 	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1987 	Canada 	CC 	 	7 	3	2	5 	8
1990 	Canada 	WC 	 	10	4	2	6 	14
1991 	Canada 	CC 	 	8 	1	1	2 	10
Senior totals	Senior totals	Senior totals	 	25	8	5	13 	32
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
==Head coaching record==
Team 	Year 	Regular season	Regular season	Regular season	Regular season	Regular season	Regular season 	Postseason	Postseason	Postseason	Postseason 	Postseason
Team 	Year 	G 	W 	L 	OTL 	Pts 	Finish 	W 	L 	Win% 	Result 	
TBL 	2008–09	66 	19 	33 	14 	52 	5th in Southeast	— 	— 	— 	Missed playoffs 	
TBL 	2009–10	82 	34 	36 	12 	80 	4th in Southeast	— 	— 	— 	Missed playoffs 	
ARI 	2017–18	82 	29 	41 	12 	70 	8th in Pacific 	— 	— 	— 	Missed playoffs 	
ARI 	2018–19	82 	39 	35 	8 	86 	4th in Pacific 	— 	— 	— 	Missed playoffs 	
ARI 	2019–20	70* 	33 	29 	8 	74 	5th in Pacific 	4 	5 	 	Lost in First Round (COL)	
ARI 	2020–21	56 	24 	26 	6 	54 	5th in West 	— 	— 	— 	Missed playoffs 	
Total	Total 	438 	178 	200 	60 	  	  	4 	5 	 	1 playoff appearance 	
* Shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2019–20 season. Playoffs were played in August 2020 with a different format.
==See also==
* Operation Slapshot
* Captain (ice hockey)
* Power forward (ice hockey)
* List of NHL players with 100-point seasons
* List of NHL players with 1,000 games played
* List of NHL players with 2,000 career penalty minutes
==References==
==External links==
* 
Category:1964 births
Category:Arizona Coyotes coaches
Category:Boston Bruins players
Category:Canadian ice hockey coaches
Category:Canadian ice hockey right wingers
Category:Colorado Avalanche coaches
Category:Los Angeles Kings players
Category:National Hockey League All-Stars
Category:Philadelphia Flyers captains
Category:Philadelphia Flyers draft picks
Category:Philadelphia Flyers players
Category:Phoenix Coyotes players
Category:Pittsburgh Penguins coaches
Category:Pittsburgh Penguins players
Category:Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds players
Category:Ice hockey people from Toronto
Category:Stanley Cup champions
Category:Tampa Bay Lightning coaches
Category:Vancouver Canucks coaches
Category:Washington Capitals players