On July 9, 1997, Tocchet disappointed longtime fans back east when he accepted an offer from the Phoenix Coyotes, in their second season after moving from Winnipeg. He generally played aside of Tkachuk and Roenick, which was considered the second most productive line in the league at the start of the 1998-99 season (right behind a particular Flyers' line!) Tocchet accomplishments, spanning from good, to bad, to ugly, during this period include:

Assisted on a goal December 29, for his 800th career NHL point. Suspended two games for an alleged intentional kneeing against Oiler Ryan Smyth, 1/20/98. Suspended 5 games for a 2nd alleged kneeing in his 2nd game after the 1st suspension, 1/28/98 Scored his 20th goal, 3/98, reaching that mark for the tenth time in his career. Received league high 3rd suspension, 2 games for slashing St. Louis' Scott Pellerin, after Pellerin held Tocchet, 4/11/98 Scored his career 400th goal, 28JAN99, against Philadelphia, in front of many long-time fans (myself, included!)

Year	Season	Games	Goals	Assists	Points	PIM
97-98	Regular	68	26	19	45	157
	Playoffs	6	5	2	7	6
98-99	Regular	81	26	30	56	147
	Playoffs	7	0	3	3	8
99-00	Regular	64	12	17	29	67
	Playoffs	Did not finish the season with Phoenix
Totals	Regular	213	64	66	130	371
	Playoffs	13	5	5	10	14