Rick Tocchet's journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the sixth round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. Known for his physical style of play and scoring ability, Tocchet quickly became a fan favorite. He made his NHL debut with the Flyers in the 1984-85 season, contributing to the team's success with his aggressive play and knack for finding the back of the net.
During his time with the Flyers, Tocchet developed into a reliable power forward, known for his ability to play both offensively and defensively. His tenure with Philadelphia saw him participate in multiple playoff runs, including the Flyers' journey to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1985 and 1987. Tocchet's performance during these seasons solidified his reputation as a tough competitor who could be counted on in high-pressure situations.
In 1992, Tocchet was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he joined a roster filled with talent, including Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr. His arrival in Pittsburgh was marked by immediate success, as he helped the Penguins secure the Stanley Cup in 1992. Tocchet's contributions during the playoffs were instrumental, as he provided both scoring and physical presence on the ice.
Following his stint with the Penguins, Tocchet's career saw him play for several other NHL teams, including the Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, and Phoenix Coyotes. Despite the changes in teams, Tocchet maintained his reputation as a hard-nosed player who could contribute offensively. His ability to adapt to different teams and systems was a testament to his skill and understanding of the game.
In 2000, Tocchet returned to the Flyers, bringing his career full circle. He played two more seasons with Philadelphia before retiring as a player in 2002. Over his 18-year NHL career, Tocchet amassed over 400 goals and 500 assists, along with more than 2,000 penalty minutes, highlighting his dual role as both a scorer and enforcer.
After retiring as a player, Tocchet transitioned into coaching and management roles within the NHL. He served as an assistant coach for several teams, including the Colorado Avalanche and Arizona Coyotes. In 2008, he was named interim head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, eventually becoming the full-time head coach. Tocchet's coaching career continued with a return to the Coyotes, where he served as head coach from 2017 to 2021.
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