With the World Championships approaching, Team Canada is considering Rick Tocchet as a candidate for their coaching staff, especially since he may be available if the Vancouver Canucks fail to make the playoffs. Kyle Dubas has been named GM, and the absence of key coaching figures like Jon Cooper and Pete DeBoer may expedite Tocchet's consideration.

Looking ahead to the offseason, notable NHL unrestricted free agents include Mitch Marner, who wants to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs but isn't engaging in in-season negotiations. Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets may seek a change if negotiations remain stagnant. Stars like John Tavares and Sam Bennett are also anticipated to make waves. Tavares is expected to take a pay cut while Bennett's value may see competition in a bidding war.

The Philadelphia Flyers are exploring several coaching candidates as they seek a new head coach. Among the frontrunners is Rick Tocchet, while current AHL coach Ian Laperriere, interim coach Brad Shaw, and Western Michigan's Pat Ferschweiler are also in contention. Other potential candidates include Jay Woodcroft, who attended Flyers training camp, and Mitch Love, an assistant coach with the Capitals. The Boston Bruins may look toward Marco Sturm, head coach of the Ontario Reign, or Boston University's Jay Pandolfo for their own coaching vacancy.

In addition to coaching news, the NHL is set to address the contentious issue of LTIR (Long-Term Injured Reserve) usage during CBA talks. This concerns teams manipulating the cap by placing players on LTIR at the trade deadline, which has raised complaints from various franchises. The league's plan to potentially change roster compliance rules during the playoffs remains to be seen as executives like Ken Holland and Jim Nill have previously floated ideas for reform.

With the departure of John Tortorella, the Philadelphia Flyers seek a new head coach to lead their young roster into the next season. Among the candidates, current Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet has emerged as a strong contender. Tocchet has a solid track record with the Canucks, boasting a .500 record this season and earning the Jack Adams Award for his leadership last year.

His experience working with young talents like Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes aligns with the Flyers' goals, especially as they look to develop prospects like Matvei Michkov and Jaime Drysdale. Tocchet's familiarity with the Flyers, having played there, adds an emotional layer to this potential hire. The Flyers' management is expected to commence the coaching search post-season, aiming to secure someone who can not only guide the team to success but also foster the growth of their promising young players.

The Vancouver Canucks are poised to exercise the team option for head coach Rick Tocchet for the next season. Despite being in playoff mode, Tocchet has expressed his commitment to the team and indicated that discussions about his contract will take place at a more suitable time. Currently earning $2.75 million annually, he could see a significant raise if the Canucks pursue a contract extension.

Meanwhile, K’Andre Miller of the New York Rangers, a 25-year-old defenseman, is a pending RFA. His performance has improved recently, particularly alongside new partner Will Borgen. Miller is focused on his game and is keeping the contract situation on the back burner. The Rangers, having made some moves in the defense department, are still looking for a partner for their leading defenseman, Adam Fox, while managing salary cap constraints.

Rick Tocchet remains firmly focused on leading the Vancouver Canucks toward a playoff berth, dismissing speculation regarding a potential return to Philadelphia. The pressures of coaching amid injuries and distractions continue to challenge the Canucks, yet players like Thatcher Demko and Quinn Hughes display resilience. Tocchet, who has his eyes set on immediate successes with Vancouver, finds the rumors linking him to Philadelphia frustrating as they detract from the team's current objectives.

Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney expressed confidence in securing a new contract for forward Morgan Geekie, who is enjoying a breakout season at a modest $1 million cap hit. Sweeney highlighted Geekie's potential as a core piece for the team moving forward, affirming the organization's commitment to evaluate his progress this summer and finalize a deal.