As the Vancouver Canucks adjust to life without head coach Rick Tocchet, one of his most trusted players, Conor Garland, has stepped forward to express heartfelt appreciation for the man who helped shape his NHL journey.
Garland, 29, spoke candidly in an interview with the NHL Network, calling himself “forever grateful” for Tocchet’s influence. Their relationship spans two key phases of Garland’s career — first as a rookie with the Arizona Coyotes and later as a more seasoned forward with the Canucks.
“I’m in a unique situation,” Garland said. “I had Rick as a rookie in Arizona, missed him for a year, and then he came back and joined me in Vancouver again at a different stage of my life and career. I was very fortunate to have him.”
For Garland, Tocchet’s guidance went beyond just systems and strategies. Early in his career, the winger admits he leaned heavily on offensive instincts and raw production. Under Tocchet’s mentorship, however, Garland began to understand the full scope of what it takes to win in the NHL — from responsible two-way play to the finer details that often go unnoticed by casual fans.
“He taught me the other side of the game and really filled out the rest of my game,” Garland said.
Though Tocchet’s departure leaves a leadership void behind the Canucks bench, Garland’s tribute serves as a reminder of the personal and professional impact a great coach can have — not only in wins and losses, but in the development of a complete hockey player.
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