He formerly served as the head coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Arizona Coyotes, and has experience as an analyst for both Comcast SportsNet and NHL on TNT.

He was mainly known as a fighter in his early career but soon developed his skills enough to become a respected power forward, a team leader, and a four-time NHL All-Star.

Tocchet became a well-travelled veteran in the league after his stint with the Penguins, taking roles with the Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, and Phoenix Coyotes.

[6][7] After returning to the Flyers in a trade that sent Mikael Renberg to the Coyotes on March 8, 2000,[8] he added 11 points en route to an Eastern Conference Finals berth.

Tocchet retired after the 2001–02 season, being one of several players in NHL history to collect 400 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes including Brendan Shanahan and Gary Roberts.

[9] On November 14, he was named the interim head coach of the Lightning, replacing Barry Melrose who was fired two days earlier after compiling a 5–7–4 record.

[19] After leaving Tampa Bay, Tocchet served alongside Michael Barkann, Al Morganti, Bill Clement, and Steve Coates as a Flyers Postgame Live panelist on Comcast SportsNet.

[20][21] On February 6, 2006, Tocchet was served with a criminal complaint, accused of financing a nationwide sports gambling ring based in New Jersey in which several current NHL players wagered.

[citation needed] On May 8, attorneys for Tocchet and Gretzky's wife Janet Jones filed notices in New Jersey that they intended to sue the state for $50 million each for defamation.

[23] On August 3, former New Jersey state trooper James Harney pleaded guilty to conspiracy, promoting gambling, and official misconduct, and promised to help authorities with their case against Tocchet and others.

[25] The NHL subsequently stated Gary Bettman, but his spokesman would not answer questions, including if Tocchet had a future in ice hockey.

In addition to the initial criminal conduct, the Commissioner cited a number of aggravating factors including repeated illicit contact with NHL personnel and Tocchet's participation in the World Series of Poker to justify imposing a de facto two-year suspension.

[citation needed] During a press conference on February 6, 2008, it was announced that Tocchet would be reinstated and would serve as assistant coach the next day, exactly two years after taking the leave of absence.