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 61-year-old Tocchet, who won the Jack Adams Award last year, played parts of 11 seasons for the Flyers and is friends with Keith Jones. He is expected to be a top contender for the Flyers' job.

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.