The Flyers hope his return to the franchise will push them out of an extended rebuild and into playoff contention.

Rick Tocchet will be tasked with directing the Philadelphia Flyers' rebuild. Philadelphia announced Wednesday it has hired Tocchet as the 25th head coach in franchise history to replace John Tortorella, who was fired on March 27 with only nine games left in the regular season.

Rick Tocchet was hired as coach of the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday. He replaces John Tortorella, who was fired March 27. Brad Shaw served as interim coach for the final nine games of the season.