NHL Rumors: Philadelphia Flyers Naming Rick Tocchet Head Coach

Amidst an eight-game losing streak the Philadelphia Flyers have fired head coach Alain Vigneault. Now the reports are flying out saying Rick Tocchet is going to be hired to behind the bench in Philly.

Mike Yeo will be #Flyers coach tonight vs. #Avs in second game of back-to-back.

We'll see where this goes, but my sense is Rick Tocchet will be high on Philadelphia's candidate list.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) December 6, 2021

Rick Tocchet could make a lot of sense for Philly. Before taking an analyst gig this season, Tocchet went deep with Seattle and the Rangers, talked a bit with Buffalo. Didn't get those jobs. Didn't really want to grind it out as an assistant. Could be a good fit now w/ Flyers.

— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) December 6, 2021

Rick Tocchet: "I'll always have Flyer blood in me. ... It will always been one of the top organizations in the NHL." pic.twitter.com/lIyc5iVS6B

— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) October 7, 2021

Just speculating here, but can't help wondering if Flyers legend Rick Tocchet will be a candidate for this one. https://t.co/SnIHznrE6Z

— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) December 6, 2021

What do Rick Tocchet and Snow White’s glass slipper have in common?
Both Perfect Fits#makethishappen #nhl #flyers https://t.co/1MzQ9ysLLe

— Bryce Davidson 🧢 (@MuskokaCoach18) December 6, 2021

Tocchet is busy working for TNT as a hockey analyst, but has recently turned down a number of assistant coaching jobs, including with the Toronto Maple Leafs who were prepared to make him the highest paid assistant in NHL history. He was holding out for a head coaching gig, and now may have found the perfect fit.

Tocchet is a Flyers legend, spending 11 seasons total in Philly within two different stints. He finished his playing career with 1144 games, 440 goals, 512 assists and 2972 minutes in penalties. Tocchet's coaching career has spanned throughout the organizations of the Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins and Arizona Coyotes.

Expect to hear Tocchet named the replacement early this week. Anyone need a job at TNT?

Photo credit:  Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports