The termination of Darryl Sutter came as a surprise to a lot of people in the NHL. Sutter was yet to begin a 2-year extension with an annual value of around $4,000,000 per year. This means the Calgary Flames chose to pay Sutter $8,000,000 to not coach the team, rather than utilize his services within the organization. Reports have stated this decision was heavily influenced by exit interviews from players who all but refused to return with Sutter in place.
The decision however did create some questions, it was previously reported that Brad Treliving's decision to not return to Calgary, was heavily based around his inability to replace Sutter. Now the Flames find themselves as a team with a new arena deal, but no coach or General Manager to help build for its eventual opening. So why was it so important to terminate Sutter?