Arizona Coyotes, head coach Rick Tocchet part ways

The Arizona Coyotes and head coach Rick Tocchet have gone their separate ways.

Tocchet’s contract was set to expire June 30.

“After meeting with Rick, we have agreed that a coaching change is in the best interest of the club,” said Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong. “This was a very difficult decision, but we believe that it is time for a new direction and new leadership. Rick is a very good coach and an incredible person, and we sincerely appreciate all his hard work and dedication to the Coyotes the past four years. We are grateful for everything that he has done for our organization and wish him the best of luck in the future.”

Tocchet, 57, was in his fourth season behind the Coyotes bench and amassed a 125-131-34 record in 290 games with the team earning only one playoff berth. It came last year which saw them beat the Nashville Predators in the qualifying round, before losing four games to one against the Colorado Avalanche.

“It’s been an honor to coach the Coyotes the past four seasons,” said Tocchet. “I have great respect and admiration for all the players I coached in Arizona, along with my coaching staff, the medical staff, the equipment managers, the PR staff and the team services staff. They are the best in the NHL, and I appreciate all their help and hard work. I also want to thank the fans of the Valley for all their support. I have loved living, playing, and coaching in Arizona and this place will always be special to me.”

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.