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,

Rick Tocchet stepped down on Tuesday as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, who declined to exercise the contract option for next season but said they had offered the veteran coach a new long-term deal.