Coach Sutter let go before two-year contract extension kicked in for 2023-24 season
The Calgary Flames will have a new general manager and head coach when the 2023-24 season kicks off after making a bold — albeit the wisest — move by firing Darryl Sutter on Monday.
Sutter, who took over the coaching job late in the 2020-21 season and guided the club to a Pacific Division title the following campaign, was relieved of his duties before a two-year contract extension worth a reported $4 million per season kicked in.
President of Hockey Operations and interim GM Don Maloney has been reviewing the club and made the move.
“In today's world, he's a firm coach, a hard coach, a demanding coach, there's a shelf life to that type of coach,” Maloney said.
The decision came after the Flames missed the playoffs with a 37-28-17 record amidst all kinds of issues between Sutter and a few of their veteran players.
Among those who did not mesh with Sutter and his often acerbic ways were believed to be Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau, who are both signed to long-term contracts.
“It became clear to me that we needed a new voice to guide us forward," Maloney said.
Last summer, a pair of stars departed. Johnny Gaudreau left via free agency and Matthew Tkachuk forced a trade, which was facilitated with a move to the Florida Panthers and brought Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar into the fold.
Sutter was also criticized for relying too often on veteran players instead of inserting younger skaters into the lineup.
“You look around the league, you have to have young players on entry-level contracts that are not just putting in six or seven minutes, that can play meaningful minutes, to have any kind of success,” Maloney said.
The Flames are also searching for a new GM after Brad Treliving left with his contract due to expire. The new GM will make the decision who to hire.
Among the candidates to fill the GM post is assistant GM Craig Conroy, who has been in the mix for a general manager job with a couple of other clubs over the years.
The Flames also have head coaching candidates within their ranks, with associate coach Kirk Muller and assistant coach Ryan Huska, as well as Mitch Love, the two-time AHL coach of the year guiding the Calgary Wranglers, the Flames’ minor-league affiliate.
As well, Maloney said defenseman Oliver Kylington is expected to rejoin the team next season. Kylington missed the past season due to personal issues.