In this edition of the Vancouver Canucks News & Rumours, the Canucks are determined to extend head coach Rick Tocchet. Addtionally, an update on Filip Chytil, Elias Pettersson and Nils Hoglander. Also, an update on Tom Willander and his entry-level contract (ELC).
Canucks Determined to Extend Tocchet
Tocchet has now coached the Canucks for two full seasons and an additional half-season in 2022-23. The head coach will face a major decision this offseason, as the guaranteed portion of his contract expires on June 30. While the Canucks hold a team option for the 2025-26 season, the organization is hoping to extend him beyond next year.
The Canucks have reportedly made an offer to Tocchet to initiate contract talks. While term and salary will play a significant role, so will the organization’s future direction. With Quinn Hughes’s current contract set to expire in two years, Tocchet will likely want clarity on the team’s long-term plans before committing. Additionally, teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers are expected to have interest in hiring him. However, Tocchet has downplayed any distractions, refusing to let contract talks become a story during the team’s playoff push.
“I am so dialled in on (making the playoffs) that I really don’t want to make it about me right now.”
Following the team’s 5-0 loss to the Seattle Kraken, their playoff hopes appear to be all but over. Despite a strong 2023-24 season—winning the Pacific Division and earning Tocchet the Jack Adams Award—the club has faced numerous on- and off-ice issues. From the reported rift between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson to a weak blue line to start the season, and multiple injuries throughout the year, the head coach has had plenty to manage. Tocchet may return next season and reassess where the team is headed before deciding on his long-term future.
Injury Update on Pettersson, Chytil, and Hoglander
The Canucks’ playoff push fell short, despite picking up points in four of the five games of their seven-game road trip. Filip Chytil was ruled out before the trip began, and both Elias Pettersson and Nils Höglander left the game against the New York Rangers due to injuries—dealing a major blow to the top-six forward group.
Tocchet provided updates on all three players. He noted that Chytil is experiencing both good and bad days, and while his current symptoms aren’t as severe as previous concussion-related issues, the odds are against him returning this season. With the Canucks effectively out of playoff contention, Chytil is officially done for the year.
As for Pettersson, Tocchet said he has skated once or twice, but not at full intensity, and has felt some discomfort. The Swedish star suffered an upper-body injury during a puck battle in the corner against the Rangers. Tocchet considers him day-to-day and expects him to return eventually.
Meanwhile, Höglander is eager to get back into the lineup and is closer to returning than the other two.
Willander Could Join Canucks Before the Season Ends
With little left to play for in the final month of the regular season, Canucks fans might have something to look forward to: the potential debut of 2023 first-round pick Tom Willander.
Currently competing in the NCAA Frozen Four with Boston University, Willander could join the Canucks after the tournament concludes, with three games remaining on Vancouver’s schedule.
According to Rick Dhaliwal, there are three options for Willander’s immediate future. The first is signing with the Canucks and burning the first year of his ELC. The second is joining the Abbotsford Canucks on an amateur tryout contract to finish the season in the American Hockey League. The third option is returning to Boston University for another season. However, that could be a negotiation tactic from Willander’s agent to gain leverage over his rookie performance bonuses or burn the first year of his ELC.
