Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet's plea to gambling charges may open the door for his return to work after more than a year on leave. Coach Wayne Gretzky has said he wants Tocchet back. So the decision appears to be in the hands of the NHL after Tocchet pleaded guilty Friday to promoting gambling and conspiracy to promote gambling in a plea deal that may spare him jail time. Tocchet has been on an NHL-approved leave of absence since the case broke in February 2006. League officials would not comment on whether he might be allowed to return.