Key Takeaways
- Sergei Gonchar revealed family priorities drove his decision to leave the Canucks, while Rick Tocchet’s exit didn’t shock him.
- The Stanley Cup winner praised Quinn Hughes’ defensive growth, Lane Hutson’s Calder season, and named Cale Makar the NHL’s most complete defenseman.
- Gonchar, who may be a Hall of Fame nominee next year, remains open to a head-coaching role in the future but says relocation is the key hurdle today.
Sergei Gonchar playing for the Capitals (Mandory Credit: Craig Melvin)
Sergei Gonchar is one of the most recognizable Russian defensemen in hockey history. He played 20 seasons in the NHL and lifted the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009. After retiring, he moved into coaching, serving as an assistant coach with the Penguins and later as a defensive development coach with the Vancouver Canucks.
This summer, Gonchar left the Canucks following the departure of head coach Rick Tocchet, with whom he had also worked in Pittsburgh. Tocchet’s assistant, Adam Foote, was promoted to head coach in Vancouver and invited Gonchar to stay on as a defense coach. However, the position required full-time presence in Vancouver – something Gonchar wasn’t prepared to commit to.
“Right now my projects are mostly family-related. I’ve spoken with one NHL team, but there’s nothing concrete yet. The main issue is relocation – teams want you around full time, and at the moment that’s not possible,” Gonchar explained in an exclusive interview with RG.
Asked if he sees himself as a head coach one day, Gonchar was open to the idea:
“Why not? It all depends on the stage of life you’re in. For now, our family decided to stay in Dallas, without constant travel. But later on, yes – why not.”
Canucks Struggles
Gonchar spent three seasons with Vancouver. Their best run came in 2023–24, when the team reached the second round of the playoffs. Last season, however, they missed the postseason altogether.
Reflecting on the reasons, Gonchar pointed to the trade of J.T. Miller to the Rangers, which followed rumors of tension between Miller and Elias Pettersson:
“I think the big factor was the whole trade situation. There was a long buildup, lots of uncertainty, and everyone lived with that question hanging over the season. That had a huge impact on the team. Not even the trade itself, but the preparation for it. When these things drag on, of course it affects the group. Miller is a top-level player; you don’t just trade someone like that without getting equal value. For the GM, making that call wasn’t easy, and it took time.”
In Vancouver, Gonchar focused mostly on individual player development. He spent two weeks each month in the city and the other two at home, not joining the team on road trips.
“It was still a full-time job. Maybe I wasn’t always physically there, but I watched all the clips, analyzed everything, and it all went through me,” he said.
Tocchet’s Departure
Rick Tocchet’s decision to step down as head coach didn’t come as a total shock to Gonchar. According to media reports, Tocchet’s choice wasn’t about money, contract length, or relationships – it was deeply personal.
“It was surprising and not surprising at the same time. Being inside, seeing how things were going, I can’t say it was completely out of the blue. I had a feeling it might happen. The season was tough, a lot of things piled up, and Rick also wanted to be closer to his family. That all played a role. As an assistant I could fly back home sometimes, but a head coach can’t just leave in the middle of the season.”
Quinn Hughes’ Growth
Gonchar also shared his thoughts on young defensemen, especially Quinn Hughes:
“Offense is his biggest strength. His skill level is incredible – he creates so many chances, controls the game, drives play. His talent is phenomenal. Defensively, of course, there was room for growth, but over the last two and a half years he’s improved a lot. He’s playing better now, though there’s still space to grow. That’s what we focused on – raising his defensive game while keeping his offensive strengths. We worked individually, focusing on details.”
He also commented on Hughes’ habit of constantly watching hockey:
Gonchar admitted his own routine changed over the years:
“At the start of my career, it was hockey all day. Later, with family and kids, I had more balance. It wasn’t just hockey anymore.”
Hutson, Makar, And Today’s Best
The Russian coach also praised Montreal’s Lane Hutson, who won the Calder Trophy after posting 66 points (6-60) in 82 games. He became only the fourth defenseman since 1943–44 to lead all rookies in scoring.
“I’ve watched his games. Offensively he’s very strong, but he needs to build his defensive side and get stronger physically. Makar is more solid. In the playoffs, toughness is key. Hutson has potential, but the next couple of years will be critical for how he develops after that first success,” Gonchar said.
As for the best defensemen in today’s NHL, Gonchar highlighted Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes, while also praising Columbus blueliner Zach Werenski:
“Makar is a complete player – strong in both offense and defense, and crucial in all situations, power play and penalty kill. That’s rare. Nicklas Lidström was like that – always reliable, producing offensively while shutting down the best players. That combination is unique.
Werenski had a great year in Columbus, the best season of his career in my view. The team just fell short of the playoffs, but he impressed me a lot. Makar, though, is more consistent – every year he delivers at a high level. Hughes keeps improving too. He won the Norris for a reason, and I think he can be even better.”
Hall of Fame Outlook
According to TSN, Gonchar may be among the nominees for the Hockey Hall of Fame next year. For the Stanley Cup champion, it would be a nice honor, but he takes it calmly:
“I don’t know, it’s not up to me. Everything in my career has already been done. If they select me – great, if not – also fine. Of course, it’s a nice check mark, but not critical.”
