Canucks president Jim Rutherford admitted during Tuesday's announcement of Rick Tocchet's exit that he never heard back from Quinn Hughes after calling the defenseman to inform him of Tocchet’s departure.

Rick Tocchet stepped down on Tuesday as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, who declined to exercise the contract option for next season but said they had offered the veteran coach a new long-term deal.

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,