The Flyers hope his return to the franchise will push them out of an extended rebuild and into playoff contention.

Another piece in the NHL head coaching puzzle has been placed, as former Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet will be joining the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers announced on Wednesday that Tocchet will be the 25th head coach in franchise history.

Tocchet, 61, succeeds interim boss Brad Shaw, who replaced the fired John Tortorella on March 27. He coached the Vancouver Canucks for the past 2.5 seasons.

Sidney Crosby had a close relationship with former Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, but a hiring of Rick Tocchet could mend the disappointment. .

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - While Travis Konecny plays for Canada at the World Championship, his NHL team found its next bench boss.

In hiring Tocchet, the Flyers seem to be reverting to their flawed old mindset of trying to win now "at any cost with coaches and brass who bled orange and black."

Amid a dramatic head coaching search in the NHL following Rick Tocchet's exit, Elias Pettersson's Vancouver Canucks are reportedly down to two candidates to take over behind the bench.

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, there are three NHL franchises heavily pursuing former Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet to take over behind their bench next season.