Young Flames player takes shot at Darryl Sutter
The Calgary Flames of last season were a massive disappointment considering their playoff expectations going into the season. Many fans and even analysts have pointed towards a disconnect between the team and Sutter as the reason for their failure.
Over last season, there were popular reports of players and coach Sutter not being on the same page. This included some of their most important players and new additions like Jonathan Huberdeau, Mikael Backlund, and Nazem Kadri. Rookies also reportedly felt the wrath of Sutter, notably including Jakob Pelletier, who's open criticism from Sutter was truly shocking.
After Pelletier's NHL debut, Sutter was asked what he thought of his performance, the coach responded by pretending to not have knowledge of the player, which didn't go over well with Pelletier or the team.
Later on, NHL insider Frank Seravalli would reveal the entire story behind Sutter and Pelletier feud.
«The short story of it is they wanted to know if [Pelletier] was going to make his debut or not, and they wanted to get his parents in there to see it, and Darryl wouldn't give them an answer. So finally it took another player to go upstairs and say �what are we doing here? This kid is hanging around, is he making his debut or not? And if he is, at least give him enough courtesy to say you're in, let's get your parents in here to make sure they see your first NHL game.' Apparently the story goes that after that happened and he finally said yes he's playing, that's the reaction that you then get. �Oh you forced my hand into me playing this kid, this is how I'm going to handle it publicly. Just to let everyone know that this should have been my call.' That was his way of pushing back. And that's the stuff that goes on behind the scenes that drives people absolutely bananas.»
Now without Sutter, the mood around Flames training camp seems a lot more relaxed. New head coach Ryan Huska is a more offensively oriented coach to the delight of the players, a far cry from the old defensive checking tactics of Sutter.
With Sutter now gone, Pelletier wasn't shy sharing his opinion on the former coach.
«I think it's easier for the coaches to know the No. 22 to the No. 49. It's a joke. Just kidding, just kidding.»
Released from the iron grip of Darryl Sutter, maybe the Flames players come flying out of the gate and meet their expectations of last season.
| POLL | ||
Where do you see the Calagry Flames finishing this season? | ||
| Top 3 in the Pacific | 9 | 13 % |
| In a Wild Card position | 20 | 29 % |
| Just missing the playoffs | 22 | 31.9 % |
| Bottom 2 in the Pacific | 18 | 26.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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