Marc Crawford's contract not extended by Swiss club

Marc Crawford is a coaching free agent with eyes on the NHL.

After a successful stint with the ZSC Lions of the Swiss Hockey League, Crawford's contract has not been extended, club CEO Peter Zahner confirmed Friday.

"A successful era comes to an end," Zahner said, according to Swiss Hockey News, "but he wants to return to the NHL and we're not willing to wait."

The Lions, led by top draft prospect Auston Matthews, were swept in the opening round of the playoffs, and while coaching decisions are typically made at the end of the postseason, the club decided to move swiftly.

"After four years, I think we need a new impulse and he needs a new challenge," Zahner continued. "I think it's okay for both sides."

Crawford, a Stanley Cup-winning coach, guided the Lions to first-place finishes in each of the past three seasons, as well as the Swiss Championship in 2014 and the Swiss Cup in 2016.

His last NHL coaching job was with the Dallas Stars from 2009-2011.