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Calgary Flames Players Voice Strong Opposition to Coach Sutter’s Return for Next Season

Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X April 13, 2023
2 1 minute read

According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the reigning Jack Adams Award winner as the NHL’s top coach is likely to find himself unemployed this summer.

Darryl Sutter, who led the Calgary Flames to an incredible season in 2021-22, appears to have pushed all the wrong buttons this season, driving his team out of a playoff spot. Seravalli claims he also alienated his team’s key players and likely coached himself out of a job.

More from Seravalli on the Calgary situation:

The decision to send Nick Ritchie in on a season-deciding shootout was just the piece de resistance on a season full of head-scratching calls – from four months of Jonathan Huberdeau on the right wing to weeks of Milan Lucic in the top six. The handling of Jakob Pelletier and “What number is he?” rubbed the entire organization the wrong way. There are believed to be at least a handful of players expected to voice their disapproval at exit meetings, if they have not done so already. They’ll voice them to GM Brad Treliving, who does not have a contract for next season. Could Calgary actually continue with Sutter as coach? Cowtown doesn’t seem big enough for Treliving and Sutter. One could be back. Neither could be back. The only thing we know is change is coming in Calgary.

– Frank Seravalli

There’s no denying Sutter’s achievements. He has reached the pinnacle of his profession as a head coach… but his best coaching results date back nearly a decade, and he has consistently hampered his team with stubborn decisions all season. I believe this was his final season as a head coach in the NHL, and almost certainly his final season in the Flames organization. And, to be honest, there should be no shame in that.

Sutter has accomplished everything there is to accomplish as an NHL coach. He was one of the best coaches of his generation, but it’s clear that the game is simply passing him by. It happens to all the greats at some point.

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X April 13, 2023
2 1 minute read
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