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,

The two-time Cup winner as an assistant for Mike Sullivan in Pittsburgh joins him, Joel Quenneville, and Peter Laviolette as a few of the top options available.