Tensions Growing in Vancouver as Head Coach Rick Tocchet Refuses to Give Young Player Ice Time
Photo credit: Daily Faceoff
Rick Tocchet's time in Vancouver may be over, and now tensions have risen as he lashed out at the media after criticism that he's failed to play a young forward.
No matter what moves have been made this season, the Vancouver Canucks have been surrounded by tension and drama, and even after splitting up Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller with a blockbuster trade, things continue.
The latest issue in Vancouver has surrounded young forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki, a talented young player that many believe should be getting more ice time, and clearly the criticism and talking point has gotten to Head Coach Rick Tocchet.
On Tuesday, the Head Coach lashed out at the media after constant criticism over Lekkerimaki's playing time, stating that he's doing what he can to make it happen, but you can't just throw them in the deep end and expect them to swim immediately.
«The team is working hard and I don't know where you want me to play him. Do you want me to play him at centre? He's on the power play. He's a young kid. We have to be careful. We know what we're doing when it comes to young guys. I think you guys in the past were [expletive] about the franchise putting these guys in too quickly. I think so. We're not doing that. We're taking our time.
It's the same thing with Pettersson (D-Petey). Same thing with Mancini. You have to marinate these guys. You've got to protect them. We're protecting their confidence. I think they've done a hell of a job on this road trip. This is a good taste for these guys. Whether they play 10 or 12 minutes or I get them out in a shootout, when I put them out there, I'll make those decisions.»
It's the same thing with Pettersson (D-Petey). Same thing with Mancini. You have to marinate these guys. You've got to protect them. We're protecting their confidence. I think they've done a hell of a job on this road trip. This is a good taste for these guys. Whether they play 10 or 12 minutes or I get them out in a shootout, when I put them out there, I'll make those decisions.»
In his statement, Tocchet turned it back on the media, who often get on young players when they don't produce immediately, showing that Tocchet cares most of all about their development as players.
In 22 games this season, the 20-year old has tallied 3 goals and 5 points, and while he hasn't starred, he's slowly getting better and getting more ice time, flashing the potential that has fans so excited.
Ultimately though, it's hard to blame Tocchet for going after the media, especially given how things were handled in the public sphere with Pettersson and Miller, so now, we will see if all of this criticism and tension leads to his departure in the summer.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 2 | 221 ANSWERS Tensions Growing in Vancouver as Head Coach Rick Tocchet Refuses to Give Young Player Ice Time Will Rick Tocchet be in Vancouver beyond 2024/25? | ||
| Yes | 69 | 31.2 % |
| No | 152 | 68.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
