Devils' Coach Brent Sutter Resigns

Could be headed to Calgary

By BRUCE CISKIE and FANHOUSE.COM

Updated 4:15 PM EST, Tue, Jun 9, 2009

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Ever since the Calgary Flames fired Mike Keenan after a disappointing end to their season, there has been much speculation about the future of New Jersey's Brent Sutter.

While Sutter has been successful with the Devils, his roots are in western Canada. Not only that, but his brother, Darryl, is the general manager of the Flames.

With that in mind, there appears to be a connection between Brent Sutter's decision to resign as the coach in New Jersey, and the fact that Darryl Sutter has yet to name Keenan's successor.

Brent Sutter announced his resignation at a Tuesday news conference. CTV Calgary reports that he could eventually be named the coach of the Flames.

There has been some speculation that Daryl Sutter has been waiting to make a decision on his team's head coaching opening to see if Brent would be available.

Sure enough, when Darryl Sutter named himself as the top candidate for the Flames job, he alluded to there being three coaches under contract with other teams that he saw as good candidates. He thought of himself as the next choice.

It's worth noting that Brent Sutter is not necessarily a lock to become Calgary's next coach. He is apparently citing personal and family reasons for stepping down.

As for Sutter, it has not been an easy decision. Ultimately, being away from his family for long periods and the two-year struggle of his junior team (the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL), were the determining factors.

Sutter was indeed a bit of a fish out of water in Jersey. Talk since mid-season has been that he would head back west after the Devils were done. He was away from family a lot, and he missed home.

After the Devils lost Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals to Carolina, Sutter referred to the loss as the worst of his hockey career. Since then, he has been silent about his future, even though his decision has been made for some time. He reportedly made an agreement with Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello to keep the resignation private while Lamoriello looked for a new coach.

There is no indication where New Jersey will look for a new coach. Assistant John MacLean has to be thought of as a candidate, but remember that former Devils and Minnesota coach Jacques Lemaire is available, and he has indicated he wants to coach again.