After three seasons as head coach of the Calgary Flames, Darryl Sutter has been dismissed from his position. The decision was announced by Flames General Manager Brad Treliving on March 5th, 2021.
Sutter was brought in as head coach in April of 2019, with the hopes of turning around a struggling Flames team. In his first season, he led the team to a 36-27-7 record and a first-round playoff exit. However, the following season saw the Flames finish with a disappointing 36-27-7 record and miss the playoffs entirely.
This season, the Flames have struggled once again, with a record of 16-18-3 as of Sutter’s dismissal. Treliving cited a lack of consistency and progress as reasons for the coaching change.
Sutter has a long history in the NHL, both as a player and a coach. He played for over a decade with the Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues before transitioning to coaching. He has coached several teams throughout his career, including the Blackhawks, San Jose Sharks, and Los Angeles Kings.
During his time with the Kings, Sutter led the team to two Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014. His success with the Kings made him an attractive candidate for the Flames when they were searching for a new coach in 2019.
While Sutter’s tenure with the Flames may have been short-lived, his impact on the team will be felt for years to come. His coaching style emphasized physicality and defensive play, which helped to improve the Flames’ overall team defense during his time as head coach.
The Flames have not yet announced who will take over as head coach for the remainder of the season. However, Treliving has stated that he will be looking for someone who can bring consistency and stability to the team.
Overall, Sutter’s dismissal as head coach of the Flames is a reminder of the high expectations that come with coaching in the NHL. While he may have had success with other teams, his time with the Flames ultimately fell short of what was expected. The search for a new head coach will now begin, as the Flames look to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs.
