Major Update in Calgary: Flames Possibly Reach Decision on Head Coach Darryl Sutter

Sutter, 64, is in the third year of his second stint with the Flames, having missed out on a playoff spot in a season where expectations had been high following the blockbuster trade for star Foward Jonathan Huberdeau & Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar from Florida, who barely made the playoffs.

Huberdeau, who led in Assists and finished 2nd in Points in Florida, was acquired to replace the departures of Johnny Gaudreau to Columbus, as well as Florida's return piece in Matthew Tkachuk. However, Huberdeau regressed down from 115 Points to 55 in his first season in Calgary.

Calgary was only 2 points away from the Playoffs, but Sutter was criticized for his lack of playing time for smaller youngsters in Dustin Wolf, Matthew Phillips & Jakob Pelletier, prioritizing his bigger veteran core, which was a similar tactic Sutter used in his previous job in Los Angeles.

Rumors have swirled about Sutter's presence on the team, with stories coming out about Flames players allegedly refusing to play for Sutter if he is the head coach next season, according to NHL Insider Darren Dreger.

NHL analyst Evan Renaerts has said that the Flames may buy out Darryl Sutter's contract, allowing for Calgary to wait for a rebound season before deciding to move on from the experienced Head Coach.

In the wait in Calgary is AHL Head Coach Mitch Love, who this season became a back-to-back winner for AHL Coach of the Year, who developed many of Calgary's top prospects being at the center of the controversy over playing time.

Regardless of Calgary's decision, the Flames have stood by Sutter and his experienced resume, but if they go in another direction, a very strong coaching option is in the wait, but the Flames, who were on the cusp of a playoffs chance, still seem comfortable giving another chance to the proven winning record Sutter provides.