Coyotes’ coach dealing with family illness

The Arizona Coyotes have granted head coach Rick Tocchet a leave of absence while he deals with a family illness. Coyotes general manager John Chayka said assistant coach John MacLean will assume the headcoaching responsibilities until Tocchet returns. No timetable was given for Tocchet’s return. “Family comes first,” Chayka said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Toc as he deals with this personal matter. It’s important that he takes the time to be there with his family.” Tocchet is in his first season as head coach of the Coyotes, who are last in the Pacific Division with a 22-35-11 record.