Flyers

Report: Flyers a “Top Contender” for Rick Tocchet’s Head Coaching Services

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: May 13th, 2025 · 5:06 PM EDT

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Darren Dreger earlier:

Strong indications this week Rick Tocchet will soon land another NHL head coaching job. Philly, Boston, Seattle believed to be among the top contenders. The Flyers want to be aggressive. Good fit.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 13, 2025

Is it though? Is Rick Tocchet a good fit for the Flyers? You’re talking about a rebuilding team with a bunch of young guys that need to be developed properly. If Torts wasn’t the guy for the job, is Tocchet?

This follows speculation that Tocchet might take on a television gig next season. That came from Elliotte Friedman, who 11 days ago said the following on his 32 Thoughts podcast:

But Philly’s definitely interested, and I think (Tocchet’s) the first guy on their list. Also on Philly’s list is Brad Shaw, as we mentioned. There were reports they interviewed Pat Ferschweiler from Western Michigan. What a great year winning the NCAA championship.

I think another coach who could be on Philly’s radar, somebody mentioned him to me the other day, he’s got a history with Danny Briere, they were teammates in the NHL, and that’s Jay McKee, the former Buffalo Sabre, who has spent the last seven years coaching in the Ontario Hockey League. First (he was) with the Kitchener Rangers and the last few seasons with the Brantford Bulldogs. He won an OHL Championship in 2022. I think he could be another name on Philly’s radar.

There hasn’t been much scuttlebutt at all beyond this Dreger tweet and the Friedman notes. Obviously the NHL playoffs are in round two and it’s only May 13th. For some background, Torts was hired in mid-June and Alain Vigneault on April 15th. Dave Hakstol’s official hiring date was May 18th. Like 50 Cent, we are patiently waiting.