The Boston Bruins have begun an aggressive coaching search after missing the playoffs, and Rick Tocchet appears to be their top target.
Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reported on May 9 that Boston is among multiple teams prepared to offer Tocchet a “mega” contract.
“I think that Rick Tocchet has the coaching world eating out of the palm of his hand,” Seravalli said. “And I think that he will have multiple mega offers that are game changers for the coaching pay scale, that I think some teams will sit and wait until they get an answer from Tocchet.“
Tocchet, who recently stepped down from his role with the Vancouver Canucks, has also been linked to Seattle, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.
“He’s interviewed and been offered (the job) in Seattle," Seravalli said. "I think he’s interviewed with the Flyers, if you even need one. The Pittsburgh Penguins are interested. I think the Boston Bruins are interested.
“I'm going to project that Rick Tocchet is on at least a five-year deal, and north of $6 million per year.”
According to The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, the New York Rangers signed their new head coach, Mike Sullivan, to a five-year deal worth $6.5 million annually, the richest deal in NHL history.
Jimmy Murphy confirmed the Bruins’ interest reported by Seravalli, citing a source who believes Tocchet is Boston’s preferred candidate.
“If they can secure an interview with him, and yeah, they’re trying, he becomes their top target,” the source told Murphy. “I think they (Bruins) should be more about the long-term, but if they really think they can turn this around fast, Tocchet is their guy, and I think he’d be interested.”
The former Canucks head coach owns a 286–265–87 career record as an NHL head coach.
Following a 33–39–10 season, Bruins GM Don Sweeney said the organization is focused on communication, structure, and offensive evolution when it comes to the traits of their next head coach.
“We’ve already started that process,” Sweeney said. “Communication with players nowadays is paramount. Structure, detail, and being organized are paramount.”
The Bruins fired Jim Montgomery midseason and finished the year with Joe Sacco at the helm, with the interim coach putting together a 25-30-7 record.
