In the ever-evolving quest to find their next head coach, the Philadelphia Flyers appear to be keeping one hand on the big-name option—and one eye on a potential dark horse.
On the latest episode of his 32 Thoughts podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman provided new insight into Philadelphia’s still-active coaching search. While much of the conversation still centers on Rick Tocchet, Friedman introduced an intriguing new name into the mix: Jay McKee.
And suddenly, the Flyers’ coaching carousel just got a lot more interesting.
Tocchet: The Obvious Fit… if He Wants It
Let’s start with the name that refuses to go away—Rick Tocchet. It’s not hard to understand why he remains at the top of Philadelphia’s list. A former Flyer, beloved in the city, tough as nails, respected league-wide, and a Jack Adams Award-winning head coach with Vancouver Canucks. In theory, he checks nearly every box.
“Philadelphia—we talked on the last pod about Rick Tocchet, the feeling that he’s their number one guy, and I still believe that,” Friedman said. “But I will say this—there seems to be a growing belief that he will consider television next season… if the overall landscape isn’t as he wants it. But Philly’s definitely interested. I think he’s the first guy on their list.”
The Flyers’ interest makes sense. Tocchet brings instant credibility and knows the team's identity inside and out.
But there’s a catch: he may not be interested in another coaching position next season.
After a grinding season behind the bench in Vancouver, there's legitimate speculation that Tocchet may opt for the TV studio—at least temporarily—if he doesn’t feel the next situation is right.
That opens the door to more possibilities. And that’s where things get a little more curious.
Jay McKee: The Underrated Option with Ties to Brière
Enter Jay McKee, the former defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues, and Pittsburgh Penguins turned OHL coaching mainstay.
If Tocchet is the headline act, McKee is the unexpected name tucked halfway down the marquee—but don’t let that fool you.
“I think another coach who could be on Philly’s radar, somebody mentioned him to me the other day,” Friedman said. “He’s got a history with Daniel Brière. They were teammates in the NHL. And that is Jay McKee, the former Buffalo Sabre, who has spent the last seven years coaching in the Ontario Hockey League.”
McKee’s coaching résumé isn’t NHL-level yet (although Brière has stated that experience level is not a dealbreaker in this search), but it’s far from thin.
He got his start as an assistant with the AHL’s Rochester Americans in 2011 before moving through the OHL ranks with Erie in 2014 and the Kitchener Rangers in 2015. By 2016, he was named head coach of the Rangers, leading them to the Western Conference Final in 2018.
Since 2021, he’s been behind the bench for the Brantford (formerly Hamilton) Bulldogs, where he’s already made a major impact—capturing both the Hamilton Spectator Trophy (the OHL's equivalent of the President's Trophy) and an OHL championship in 2022.
He’s known for a calm demeanor, a teaching mindset, and the kind of structured systems play that helps young players flourish.
Why It Might Make Sense
McKee isn’t the splashiest name. But there’s something about his candidacy that might appeal to where the Flyers are in their rebuild. He’s done the slow work of development. He knows how to cultivate culture. And most importantly, he understands the learning curve required for young talent to find their footing.
With what Brière called the "internal competition" rising as more Flyers prospect are turning pro, and the team's current young players poised to play key roles over the next few years, that kind of coaching profile could prove invaluable.
He’s also not far removed from the modern game. As someone who played in the NHL as recently as 2010 and has spent the last decade behind benches in two of hockey’s most competitive development leagues, McKee brings an understanding that could click in today’s NHL.
The Flyers’ Crossroads
So where does this leave the Flyers? In a holding pattern, for now.
They continue to look at all options, casting a wide net that includes established NHL coaches, up-and-comers from the NCAA, and now, thanks to Friedman, a promising figure from the junior ranks.
If Tocchet is interested, the job sounds like it will be his to lose. But if he opts for a return to broadcasting, the Flyers may need to get creative.
And if creativity is the play, don’t be surprised if Jay McKee gets a long, serious look.
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