Sports

Gillis cited the Canucks' lack of playoff success as the primary reason they decided to make a change. Vancouver has been great in the regular season, but endured fast exits from the 2012 and 2013 playoffs. He didn't want to give any hints as to who the next head coach might be, but he did say that the problems went beyond their now former coach. "Everyone will be addressed," Gillis said. This might be an eventful summer for Vancouver.

Coach Dan Bylsma wouldn't confirm his lineup, but he did speak in hypothetical terms in the morning about what Jokinen could bring to the table if he played. "Jussi is a guy who's been out of our lineup and you're sitting on a guy who can make plays, score big goals, he's a faceoff guy," Bylsma said. "He's also a guy who would see time on our second power-play unit, as well." Jokinen practiced on the second unit on Tuesday.

Assistant coaches Rick Bowness and Newell Browne will also been let go. The Canucks were swept in four straight games by the San Jose Sharks in the opening round of the playoffs and GM Mike Gillis vowed there would be changes. Vigneault has as the club's bench boss for seven years, while compiling a regular season record of 313-170-57. He won the Jack Adams Award in 2007 and helped guide Vancouver to back-to-back Presidents' trophies in 2010'11 and 2011'12.

Sutton wasn't able to play in 2013 due to a knee injury. He had 38 goals and 150 points in 676 games with the San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild, Atlanta Thrashers, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Anaheim Ducks, and Edmonton Oilers. "My NHL career enabled me to not only play the game I love, but to also be a part of something that so many kids dream about growing up," Sutton said. "Throughout my 15 years in the league, I have played for some exceptional hockey teams and have met quality people and friends along the way. None of what I accomplished on the ice would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, friends, teammates and fans who made playing hockey even more enjoyable."

Philadelphia GM Paul Holmgren released this statement: "I spoke with Jake this morning. He was involved in a car accident in the Czech Republic. Although his car did suffer damage, there were no injuries. Jake is fine." Voracek totaled his Ferrari in the accident, but it's a relief that he wasn't hurt.

He had one assist in one game with the Senators last year during the postseason and skated in four matches with the team in the regular season. Stone is slated to play alongside Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek against the Penguins.

He took to the ice for just one second-period shift after he was hit into the boards by Boston forward Milan Lucic. "He's played so well that's a big blow for us as far as our matches and just our depth within our defense," coach John Tortorella said. Consider Stralman day-to-day for now.