Report: Canucks will pick up Tocchet's option if he doesn't extend

The Vancouver Canucks are determined to sign head coach Rick Tocchet to an extension but will exercise his team option for the 2025-26 season if necessary, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Tocchet would be among the most coveted head coaches if he became available this offseason. The Canucks are making it clear they want him to remain in Vancouver and that they have his contractual rights, reports Friedman.

The 60-year-old won the Jack Adams Award last season as he guided the Canucks back to the playoffs with a 50-23-9 record. Vancouver has failed to match its success from a year ago and is six points out of the last wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

Tocchet has made it clear he has no interest in discussing his future publicly.

"I am so dialed in on (making the playoffs) that I really don't want to make it about me right now,” Tocchet told Sportsnet 650 in March.