When Rick Tocchet departed as a studio analyst for the NHL on TNT to take over the vacant Vancouver Canucks coaching position, it represented a difficult moment for the network and his colleagues. In fact, Paul Bissonnette and Henrik Lundqvist performed a rendition of “Good Riddance” by Green Day to commemorate his time with the network and the memorable moments he provided viewers.
It was announced that Tocchet will be rejoining the network this weekend alongside studio host Liam McHugh and analysts Anson Carter and the aforementioned Bissonnette. He will serve as a guest analyst in the studio for TNT’s coverage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
While on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, Tocchet revealed that he had a variety of options to continue coaching in hockey, but ultimately turned it down to join the broadcast team on TNT and work with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports. His insight and expertise gained from coaching an NHL team during the 2022-23 season should prove invaluable to hockey fans aiming to garner insights into the game.
Tocchet will join a wide array of NHL players and personnel contributing to sports media coverage while actively being employed by a team. The network knew that he was being considered as a candidate for head coaching jobs throughout the season, softening the blow his exit had, but proving to be a significant loss nonetheless. In 36 games as the head coach of the Canucks, the team posted a 20-12-4 record – equating to 44 points – and finished 12 points out of the second Wild Card position in the Western Conference standings.
