Rick Tocchet is leaving the Vancouver Canucks after two-plus seasons, and his name will feature prominently among the NHL's coaching openings. The Canucks didn't pick up the team option on Tocchet's contract but instead offered him a new one.

The Vancouver Canucks announced today that Rick Tocchet has decided not to return as Head Coach for the upcoming season. After thoughtful discussions with the team and management, Tocchet has opted to step away from his role,

When the news came down on March 27 that the Flyers were moving on from John Tortorella, all eyes immediately swung north of the border to Vancouver. The Flyers’ appreciation for Canucks coach Rick Tocchet is nothing new nor some huge surprise.