Flyers' stance on Rick Tocchet revealed after historic 0-5-2 start
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Anthony Di Marco reports Rick Tocchet's job isn't in trouble and no coaching change is expected for the winless Flyers, who sit 0-5-2 to open the season.
The Philadelphia Flyers are winless through seven games, but the seat under Rick Tocchet may not be as hot as it looks.
NHL insider Anthony Di Marco reports the coach's job is not in trouble, and nobody should expect an imminent change behind the bench.
"Tocchet's job isn't in trouble. Don't expect an imminent coaching change for PHI."
- Anthony Di Marco
- Anthony Di Marco
The timing makes the news stand out.
Philadelphia dropped a 4-1 decision to the Hurricanes on Sunday, its seventh straight loss to open the season and a franchise record.
The Flyers have been outscored 28-8 so far, and four of those losses were by three goals or more.
Expectations were modest heading into the season, especially after Anaheim matched Philadelphia's five-year, $90 million offer sheet to Leo Carlsson, but few expected the Flyers to fall this far this fast.
Fans are losing patience
The frustration has been impossible to miss.
Fans chanted for Tocchet to be fired as the Flyers fell to Carolina, and Sportsnet's Michael Amato wrote that the team's flat brand of hockey could put the coach in danger if things don't turn around soon.
Inside the room, the message has been one of support.
Trevor Zegras said Sunday night that the Flyers are completely behind their coach, who played parts of 11 seasons in Philadelphia and is still a fan favorite across the city.
Why the Flyers can afford patience
Tocchet signed a five-year contract in 2025, reportedly worth about $25 million, so three seasons remain after this one.
Last year he also led Philadelphia to its first playoff series win since 2020, which helps explain why a quick change would come as a surprise.
Still, the schedule is long and the losses keep piling up.
A single win would calm things down for now, but the pressure builds fast, and Di Marco's report is only a snapshot of where things stand today.
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