The Philadelphia Flyers have hired Rick Tocchet as their next head coach, it was announced Wednesday.
The framework of the deal puts Tocchet among the highest-paid coaches in the NHL, sources told ESPN.
"I am very happy to welcome Rick Tocchet as our head coach," general manager Daniel Briere said in a statement. "During this process it became clear that Rick was the absolute right coach to lead our team. He has enjoyed the highest level of success both as a player and coach.
"Rick's ability to teach and understand his players, combined with his passion for winning, brings out the best in young players at different stages of their development and has earned the respect and confidence of highly talented All-Stars and veteran players alike."
Tocchet, 61, is already in the Flyers Hall of Fame after spending parts of 11 seasons with the team during his 18-year playing career.
The Flyers still consider themselves in a rebuild phase after missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Philadelphia fired John Tortorella in March after philosophical differences emerged between the coach and front office.
Brad Shaw served as interim coach for the remainder of the season, and the Flyers (33-39-10) finished tied for last place in the Eastern Conference.
"I've always been a Flyer at heart and have taken that passion and energy that embodies this city and organization with me throughout my career," Tocchet said. "... I couldn't be more excited to lead this team back among the NHL elite where we belong. We have a lot of work to do and much to accomplish, but I am confident in the direction we are heading and determined to get us there."
Tocchet, who stepped down as coach of the Vancouver Canucks after the season as his three-year contract expired, was among the most desirable candidates in a crowded coaching market.
According to sources, Tocchet also spoke with the Seattle Kraken and the Anaheim Ducks, who never formally interviewed Tocchet prior to hiring Joel Quenneville last week. The Boston Bruins also had Tocchet high on their list.
"What is impressive about Rick is that players gravitate towards him and develop a strong relationship in the process," team president Keith Jones said in a statement. "There is a genuine trust that he will do everything he can to bring success to the team."
Tocchet was also considering a return to television next season, sources told ESPN, after he served as a regular on TNT's coverage prior to joining the Canucks. He has also appeared on the network's coverage during the 2024-25 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Tocchet left Vancouver just one year removed from winning the Jack Adams Award. The Canucks, after a season of turmoil that included the trade of center JT Miller to the New York Rangers, missed the playoffs by six points.
Tocchet, who replaced Bruce Boudreau as Canucks coach in January 2023, had previous head coaching stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Arizona Coyotes. His career NHL coaching record is 286-265-87 in the regular season and 11-11 in the playoffs.