Rick Tocchet, Canadian-American ice hockey player and coach

Richard "Rick" Tocchet, born on April 9, 1964, is a prominent Canadian figure in the world of professional ice hockey, having excelled both as a gritty player and a thoughtful coach, and now as an insightful media analyst.

A Distinguished Playing Career

Hailing from Scarborough, Ontario, Tocchet forged an impressive 18-season career in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a formidable right winger. He was widely recognized for his intense, power-forward style of play, combining a scoring touch with a willingness to engage physically and drop the gloves, earning him a reputation as a tough and skilled competitor. His playing journey saw him don the jerseys of several iconic franchises, including two significant stints with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he truly established himself as a fan favorite. He also contributed his talents to the Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, and the Phoenix Coyotes. Across his extensive playing career, Tocchet amassed over 950 points and more than 2,900 penalty minutes, cementing his legacy as one of the league's quintessential power forwards of his era.

Transition to Coaching

Transitioning from the ice to behind the bench, Tocchet embarked on a coaching career that further showcased his deep understanding of the game and his leadership qualities. He served as the head coach for the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning for two seasons, from 2008 to 2010, bringing his no-nonsense approach to a developing roster. Later, he took the helm of the Arizona Coyotes for four seasons, from 2017 to 2021, where he was tasked with guiding a younger squad through a rebuilding phase. Beyond his head coaching roles, Tocchet also played a crucial part as an assistant coach, notably with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he was instrumental in their back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. His coaching philosophy often emphasizes accountability, hard work, and a robust team-first mentality, mirroring the dedication he showed as a player.

Broadcasting and Analyst Role

After his most recent coaching tenure, Tocchet transitioned into a highly visible role as a media analyst, sharing his vast hockey knowledge and experience with a broader audience. His ability to articulate complex hockey concepts in an accessible manner quickly made him a sought-after voice. During the 2010 playoffs, he offered his insights as an analyst on Flyers Postgame Live for Comcast SportsNet, providing commentary on the team where he spent a significant portion of his playing career. Today, he continues to be a familiar and respected voice in the hockey community as a studio analyst for NHL on TNT, offering pre-game, intermissions, and post-game analysis with a characteristic blend of frankness, deep strategic understanding, and a touch of his former player's grit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rick Tocchet

What position did Rick Tocchet play during his NHL career?

Rick Tocchet played as a right winger throughout his 18 seasons in the National Hockey League.

Which NHL teams did Rick Tocchet play for?

He played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, and Phoenix Coyotes.

Has Rick Tocchet won a Stanley Cup?

Yes, Rick Tocchet won two Stanley Cups as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017.

Which NHL teams has Rick Tocchet been a head coach for?

He served as head coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning (two seasons) and the Arizona Coyotes (four seasons).

What is Rick Tocchet's current role in the NHL?

Rick Tocchet is currently a prominent studio analyst for NHL on TNT, offering expert commentary and analysis.