Coyotes grant head coach Rick Tocchet leave of absence due to family illness

The Arizona Coyotes granted head coach Rick Tocchet a leave of absence to deal with a family illness, the team announced Monday.

"Family comes first," said general manager John Chayka. "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."

Assistant coach John MacLean will serve as the club's head coach until Tocchet returns.