Bruins after dark

Rick Tocchet’s name is picking up steam—and Boston may be ready to jump into the chase.

After parting ways with the Vancouver Canucks, the 61-year-old coach has become one of the most sought-after names available, and he’s already being tied to several organizations.

“Everyone is going to reach out to him,”

said Rick Dhaliwal on Donnie & Dhali.

“Keep an eye on the Bruins, I will be surprised if the Bruins don’t contact Tocchet.”

It’s not just idle chatter.

Tocchet has been mentioned in connection with both the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins—teams he’s been linked to even before leaving Vancouver.

But now, the Bruins may be quietly entering the mix.

Former Canucks stars and Bruins ties create a natural fit

If Boston decides to reach out, there’s more than just coaching credentials in Tocchet’s favor.

He played for the Bruins during his career, logging 67 games in black and gold.

That past connection, however minor, still matters in a city that values history and loyalty.

But more importantly, Tocchet has recent ties to some of Boston’s current roster.

He coached both Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov during their time in Vancouver.

That familiarity could be a huge plus if Boston wants a bench boss who can step in and connect with the room immediately.

“I think they [Bruins] should be more about the long-term,”

one NHL source told RG.org’s Jimmy Murphy.

“But if they really think they can turn this around fast, Tocchet is their guy, and I think he’d be interested.”

Boston’s next move hinges on timeline, not just talent

The Bruins are coming off a frustrating year—second-last in the East—but they aren’t devoid of firepower.

With David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and a few other key players still in their prime, Boston could choose to retool rather than rebuild.

They also hold the seventh overall pick in this summer’s NHL Draft.

It’s a valuable chip that could go toward a high-end prospect—or be dangled in a trade for immediate help.

Either way, if the front office is serious about a quick rebound, hiring someone like Tocchet sends that message.