The Boston Bruins have embarked on a coaching search while looking to enhance their roster, focusing on acquiring offensive wingers. General Manager Don Sweeney is keen on potential deals that could bolster the team’s scoring depth for the upcoming season. Morgan Geekie, a promising forward, is confirmed to return next year, adding some continuity to the roster.

Elsewhere, the Vancouver Canucks are in negotiations to extend Head Coach Rick Tocchet, with reports suggesting a deal might require over $4 million annually. The Canucks are also keeping options open regarding their star player, Elias Pettersson, reflecting a strategic approach as they navigate their future.

In the East, the New York Islanders are expected to undergo significant changes in their lineup and management, indicating a fresh start. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins are considering leveraging their draft assets for immediate impact players, while the Buffalo Sabres are actively seeking leadership to help guide a youthful squad.

In injury news, Gabriel Landeskog returns for the Colorado Avalanche after a lengthy absence, and Evander Kane is set to play his first game of the season for the Edmonton Oilers, both potentially impacting their teams' playoff aspirations.

Rick Tocchet's future with the Vancouver Canucks remains uncertain as contract extension talks continue. Currently, Tocchet earns $2.75 million annually, placing him as the 10th highest-paid coach in the NHL. Speculation suggests he is aiming for an increase to at least $4 million, potentially breaking into the top five of coaching salaries.

Discussions took place recently, indicating that both sides are working towards an agreement. While no extension has been finalized yet, there is optimism that the gap could be bridged soon. Coaches like Paul Maurice and Pete DeBoer serve as reference points for Tocchet's salary aspirations, as they earn $3.9 million and $4.25 million respectively, highlighting the competitive landscape for coaching salaries in the league.

Vancouver Canucks' leadership addressed the fallout from the J.T. Miller-Elias Pettersson feud, which led to Miller's trade to the New York Rangers. The team's transition from playoff contenders to a rebuilding phase is evident as they seek to improve their forward depth. General manager Patrik Allvin emphasized the need to strengthen center positions to optimize forward performance. Pettersson, now training diligently in Vancouver after a disappointing season, remains a pivotal player despite a knee injury hampering his last campaign.

With a significant salary cap increase coming, the Canucks may explore trades to acquire talent instead of relying solely on free agency. The future of head coach Rick Tocchet also looms large, with a decision expected soon. The Canucks must navigate tough choices regarding their roster, including the fate of unrestricted free agents like Brock Boeser, who remain critical as the team reassesses its competitive window.

Rick Tocchet's future with the Vancouver Canucks is uncertain as the team moves to negotiate a new contract following his tenure as coach. Despite a strong showing this past season, including winning the Pacific Division and a playoff appearance, challenges such as key injuries and team chemistry issues, notably between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson, have led to speculation regarding Tocchet's position. Canucks president Jim Rutherford expressed confidence in Tocchet's coaching abilities and acknowledged the challenges faced this season.

With several teams actively seeking new coaching leadership, Tocchet has emerged as a sought-after candidate. The Canucks are reportedly keen on retaining him, but with offers from other franchises like the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers, the decision looms large for Tocchet. Meanwhile, the Canucks prepare for a potentially transformative offseason, weighing the stability Tocchet brings against the desire for fresh leadership.

The Vancouver Canucks are facing a challenging offseason after a disappointing season that saw them fall significantly in the standings. Key players like Elias Pettersson are under scrutiny, especially after a season where he struggled to meet expectations and faced conditioning issues. Pettersson, who recently finished an eight-year, high-value contract, expressed the pressure of his new role but is optimistic about returning to form through rigorous off-season training.

Head Coach Rick Tocchet is also under the microscope, with speculation about his future with the team. The Canucks have options regarding Tocchet's contract, and while he hopes to stay, management is evaluating the direction of the coaching staff. The recent trade of J.T. Miller revealed underlying team tensions that contributed to their struggles. The Canucks’ management must now address upcoming free agency decisions, including retaining players like Thatcher Demko, who has expressed a desire to remain with the team long-term.