Flyers Players Speak On Rick Tocchet Hire: 'He Gets It'

Yahoo

17-05-2025

(Header/feature image courtesy of The Hockey News' Megan DeRuchie)
Rick Tocchet's return to Philadelphia as the Flyers' head coach has been met with anticipation, curiosity, and, most notably, a hope that he is indeed, as General Manager Danny Briere put it, "the long-term solution to our head coaching position."
It's not just fans who are excited to see a familiar face behind the bench—it's the players who already have a sense of what he brings to the table, especially those who've recently worked with him.
Tocchet's appointment comes with a resume that stretches across decades—first as a fiery power forward and later as a respected coach with a reputation for relationship-building, accountability, and player development. That reputation was on full display earlier this year when he served as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the 4-Nations Face-Off, a short but valuable stint that allowed him to work with Flyers players Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim.
For Sanheim, the experience left a mark.
'Just good interactions, good communicator, easy to talk to… those were some of the things I came away with,' Sanheim said of working with Tocchet. 'And I've heard nothing but good things about him from guys that have had him. Super excited to get to see what he's all about as a head coach.
"He's won before. Excited to get going with him and see what he's all about in a head coaching role and try to take that next step forward that our team is trying to do here over the next couple of seasons.'
Sanheim's excitement is reflective of the broader sentiment around the team: Tocchet represents both a fresh voice and a familiar tone. He's known for his candor, his willingness to meet players where they are, and his unique ability to balance the demands of the modern NHL with the grit and intensity Flyers fans so often crave.
For Konecny, Tocchet's identity as a former Flyer means more than just nostalgia.
'It's great. Really looking forward to working with him,' Konecny said. 'He seems like a great guy. I've heard nothing but good things. And he's a Flyer. That means something, and he knows that. He gets it, I'm sure. It means something to put that jersey on. The city loves their hockey. They love their sports in general. You've got to show up to play every night, and I think that's something that he brought and he's going to instill in the team.'
Rick Tocchet hasn't coached any of the current #Flyers in the NHL but he did coach Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. Canada won the title. pic.twitter.com/BcYl3NbRI1
— Jackie Spiegel (@jackiespiegel93) May 15, 2025
There's a through line here—something deeper than tactics or line combinations. Tocchet brings an identity. One forged in Philadelphia, honed across the NHL, and now coming full circle. The players feel it, and they know what's being asked of them: compete hard, play smart, and buy in.
For players like Matvei Michkov who haven't worked with him before, Tocchet's arrival represents something more nuanced—a reset, a recalibration, and potentially, a new opportunity.
'A new coach always means a fresh start,' Michkov said. 'I don't know him personally, so I can't say much yet. The main thing is that the team improves and makes the playoffs. I just hope I'll have freedom on the ice. When I feel limited, I start focusing on the wrong things.'
Michkov's comment speaks to a universal truth for young, high-skill players: structure is necessary, but so is trust. Tocchet has shown throughout his coaching career—whether in Arizona, Pittsburgh, or Vancouver—that he can earn the trust of both grinders and gamebreakers. The hope in Philadelphia is that he can do the same with Michkov, nurturing the young star's talent while instilling the habits that drive winning hockey.
All told, the early reviews are encouraging. From seasoned Flyers to new arrivals, there's a shared belief that Tocchet brings more than just experience—he brings credibility, care, and conviction.
It's early days, and there will be growing pains. But as the Flyers look to transition from a rebuilding project into a playoff contender, the voices in the locker room are already signaling one thing loud and clear:
Their new coach has their attention. And maybe more importantly, he already has their respect.