'Trying to Find His Identity' - Rick Tocchet Opens Up on Cutting Nils Hoglander From Lineup
Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet has opened up to the media on why he is scratching forward Nils Hoglander from the lineup for the 2nd consecutive game.
It has been clear since the first game of the 2024-2025 NHL season that Nils Hoglander has not been head coach Rick Tocchet's favorite player, constantly playing him in the bottom-6, even making him sit in the grand stands a few times.
Head Coach Rick Tocchet Comments on Forward Nils Hoglander's Game
Whether it is the lack of opportunity by Tocchet, or the lack of confidence in his own game, Hoglander has now gone 21 straight games with out a point, which has led to Rick Tocchet scratching him from the lineup this evening against the Ottawa Senators.
His last 27 games have produced just three points (1 goal, 2 assists) and only 20 shots on net.
Now that he has two straight games being a healthy scratch, Tocchet spoke to the media to discuss what he see's out of Hoglander's game, and that, he as the head coach, has to take some responsibility as well, as they both search for the answers to get him to the next level.
"He's trying to find his identity again and we both agree. He doesn't like the way he's played, he had some opportunities that he didn't take advantage of, but I my job is to help the guy up and I can't just sit him out. He's gotta know why and he's gotta work on his game. I gotta somehow get him relaxed, but I think for him he's gotta make sure that he doesn't make the egregious mistakes at the wrong time." - Rick Tocchet on Hoglander
At just 22-years-old, Hoglander had strong campaign last season, scoring 24 even-strength goals, which led to the conversation of him being the next rising star for the Nucks.
Canucks fans are hoping that the holiday break is going to provide the rest and reset Hoglander needs to find his game again, and to prove to Tocchet that he can be trusted to produce.
POLL |
DECEMBRE 21 | 428 ANSWERS 'Trying to Find His Identity' - Rick Tocchet Opens Up on Cutting Nils Hoglander From Lineup Do you agree with Rick Tocchet scratching Nils Hoglander for the 2nd consecutive game? |
Yes | 236 | 55.1 % |
No | 192 | 44.9 % |
List of polls |
|
35 minutes ago | By Maverick Mitchell Vancouver Canucks Imposed Suspension on JT Miller After Heated Exchange with Head Coach Rick Tocchet |
|
1 hour ago | By Cooper Godin 25-Year Veteran National Hockey League Referee Danny McCourt Has Sadly Passed Away |
|
14 hours ago | By Owen Fullerton Columbus Blue Jackets Motivated To Acquire Pending UFA Brock Boeser Amid Contract Stalemate |
|
17 hours ago | By Owen Fullerton Carolina Hurricanes Latest Move Could Indicate It's JT Miller's Last Night as a Vancouver Canuck |
|
18 hours ago | By Maverick Mitchell NHL Player Safety Drops the Hammer on Canucks Defenseman Tyler Myers with Multiple-Game Suspension |
|
19 hours ago | By Cooper Godin Patrik Allvin Regretful After Acknowledging Emotional Toll of Trade Rumors on Players |
|
20 hours ago | By Cooper Godin Vancouver Canucks GM Patrik Allvin Gives Update on Rick Tocchet's Future as Head Coach |
|
22 hours ago | By Cooper Godin Real Reason For J.T. Miller's Trade With New York Rangers Falling Apart Has Been Revealed |
Previously on CanucksDaily