Calgary Flames Rumors: Darryl Sutter On The Hot Seat

The Calgary Flames have not had the follow-up year many were expecting as they continue to fight for their lives and sit outside of the playoff picture in the Western Conference. With more games played than the teams above them and no indication they are going to find some sort of spark to go on a second half run, things might be changing after the season.

The team is still expected to add at the trade deadline since they are within striking distance of a spot and don't want a season to go to waste. But coaching could be changed after the season. There have been rumours that Brad Treliving and head coach Darryl Sutter are at odds and Sutter has made questionable decisions regarding how he treats his players. There are also whispers of Sutter's future in Calgary, per David Pagnotta.

The most notable and questionable thing Sutter has done in a post-game interview is act like he didn't know who Jakob Pelletier was after his NHL debut. That was clearly an act because if the head coach doesn't know all of his players and has done his homework, why is he in the position he is in? Those actions didn't sit well with the players either.

Sutter hasn't been able to help the team replicate the success of last season with the change in personnel. He has long had this favouritism for veterans over rookies, and a reason there have been so few young players getting opportunities during his tenure as head coach. Matthew Phillips is a great example of someone who should have long since graduated from the AHL, but got two games and very little ice time this season before being sent back down. Connor Mackey has played in 10 games on defence, but has been with the team the entire season, while Adam Ruzicka has been an on and off healthy scratch despite much more production than some of the veterans getting fourth line minutes. Then there is Pelletier who has seemed to be the only one that has broken through and is playing second line minutes now. Another situation that is overdue.

If the Flames miss the playoffs, expect the coaching staff to change in Calgary. And even if they do, it is still a strong possibility.