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.

Rick Tocchet isn't returning as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, making him a top candidate for several NHL vacancies.

Rick Tocchet has stepped down as Canucks coach, despite the team's attempts to re-sign him. The Canucks now become the eighth NHL team looking to a hire a new coach this offseason.