Tocchet would be outstanding as a national TV analyst - candid, insightful and not afraid to speak his mind. Without the perceived arrogance of some of the others that have been in that role on NBC in recent years.
Great stuff. Good to hear how upbeat he's feeling. I'm not surprised this was his last year but I have no idea what he could have done for a much better result for this season.
I find his comments on wanting stability and leadership telling about the state of the Yotes organization. I've been hard on Tocchet as a coach (and I still believe justifiably so). But It's clear that he was not the only piece that has caused us to continue to be the punching bag of the league. I have my growing doubts about ownership, and clearly the Chayka debacle hurt us immeasurably. Maybe Armstrong has the right recipe. I like what I have heard him say so far, but had the same thoughts with Chayka. As a fan I can only hope for the best, but being a Coyote fan I always prepare for the worst.
Wish Tocchet the very best. Clearly a good guy that deserves success.
Great interview! Thank you for that! I find it interesting his viewpoint about the identity of the team. My perspective over the last couple years were that the team was built like a team that wanted to play fast and open, but were stuck in a defensive structure. It's an interesting thought to see this year as being the one where the team lost its identity. (The more I think about it, the more I agree with that thought too)
Hard not to like Tochett. It speaks volumes to your professionalism that he was willing to do this with you, Craig, so soon after parting ways with the team.
Good to see he's taking the separation in stride. I had a feeling this season would be his last with us, but I'm not in the anti-Tocchet camp. He didn't magically make us a Cup contender, but he took a - realistically - bottom-tier roster in a chaotic situation and made them somewhat competitive. I think he very likely had his own shortcomings, but I don't think anyone could've achieved better results with what we had to work with. I'd be interested to see what he does if he's given another coaching job elsewhere. Plenty of teams open to new coaches, and I have to imagine some would be interested in Tocchet.
As a side note, I think it's a little telling that he noted that any future coaching job will have to be for a stable franchise. I'm guessing he's got plenty of horror stories from behind the scenes that he may be too polite to share for quite some time.
One thing that has not been talked about is how will the departure of Tocchet impact the status of OEL. As much as I love Tocchet being the head coach here, it seems OEL's play has really deteriorated under him. Obviously, his diminishing play maybe due to aging or the players surrounding him (When OEL scored 20+ goals, there was Yandle keeping feeding at the point on the power play), however it is clear he and Tocchet are not always on the same pge.
I would have liked to have heard his takes on the departure of John Chayka, or on the allegations in Katie Strang’s article from earlier this year, but I’m pleased to know he’s going out with his head held high. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kessel asks to leave with Tocchet leaving, and I’m very curious to see how this impacts OEL.
Great read as usual Craig. Thanks again for bringing stories like this to the fans.
Tocchet would be outstanding as a national TV analyst - candid, insightful and not afraid to speak his mind. Without the perceived arrogance of some of the others that have been in that role on NBC in recent years.
Great stuff. Good to hear how upbeat he's feeling. I'm not surprised this was his last year but I have no idea what he could have done for a much better result for this season.
I find his comments on wanting stability and leadership telling about the state of the Yotes organization. I've been hard on Tocchet as a coach (and I still believe justifiably so). But It's clear that he was not the only piece that has caused us to continue to be the punching bag of the league. I have my growing doubts about ownership, and clearly the Chayka debacle hurt us immeasurably. Maybe Armstrong has the right recipe. I like what I have heard him say so far, but had the same thoughts with Chayka. As a fan I can only hope for the best, but being a Coyote fan I always prepare for the worst.
Wish Tocchet the very best. Clearly a good guy that deserves success.
Great interview! Thank you for that! I find it interesting his viewpoint about the identity of the team. My perspective over the last couple years were that the team was built like a team that wanted to play fast and open, but were stuck in a defensive structure. It's an interesting thought to see this year as being the one where the team lost its identity. (The more I think about it, the more I agree with that thought too)
I will always be a Coyotes fan and I will always be a Rick Tocchet fan
Great article. It was therapeutic reading. I feel so much better and I appreciate the questions you asked him. He is a really good person.
Great article. This franchise lost a good coach and a good man. Good luck Rick!
Hard not to like Tochett. It speaks volumes to your professionalism that he was willing to do this with you, Craig, so soon after parting ways with the team.
Thanks for the interview, Rick. Hope you get more say in your next gig (literally if it's in TV) and that the Coyotes can get their buzz back!
Good to see he's taking the separation in stride. I had a feeling this season would be his last with us, but I'm not in the anti-Tocchet camp. He didn't magically make us a Cup contender, but he took a - realistically - bottom-tier roster in a chaotic situation and made them somewhat competitive. I think he very likely had his own shortcomings, but I don't think anyone could've achieved better results with what we had to work with. I'd be interested to see what he does if he's given another coaching job elsewhere. Plenty of teams open to new coaches, and I have to imagine some would be interested in Tocchet.
As a side note, I think it's a little telling that he noted that any future coaching job will have to be for a stable franchise. I'm guessing he's got plenty of horror stories from behind the scenes that he may be too polite to share for quite some time.
Thanks Tocc!
Great read. Thanks, Craig!
Great piece, well done Mr. Morgan!
One thing that has not been talked about is how will the departure of Tocchet impact the status of OEL. As much as I love Tocchet being the head coach here, it seems OEL's play has really deteriorated under him. Obviously, his diminishing play maybe due to aging or the players surrounding him (When OEL scored 20+ goals, there was Yandle keeping feeding at the point on the power play), however it is clear he and Tocchet are not always on the same pge.
I would have liked to have heard his takes on the departure of John Chayka, or on the allegations in Katie Strang’s article from earlier this year, but I’m pleased to know he’s going out with his head held high. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kessel asks to leave with Tocchet leaving, and I’m very curious to see how this impacts OEL.