Darryl Sutter could be an option for Edmonton Oilers coaching job
The Edmonton Oilers might be hitting a blockade in their pursuit of Mike Babcock.
Babcock has emerged as the frontrunner for the Oilers head coaching job, but an NHL investigation into the veteran coach’s controversial past may derail everything. Supposed unknown allegations against Babcock are at the heart of the league investigation, and nobody is certain which way this situation could go.
If the league rules in favour of Babcock, he’ll almost certainly be hired by the Oilers, but if things turn sideways, where will Edmonton turn?
Bruce Cassidy doesn’t appear to be an option, Peter Laviolette has already been hired by the LA Kings, and both Craig Berube and Jim Hiller aren’t exactly encouraging prospects, despite being interviewed by the Oilers.
However, Edmonton’s best backup plan may not be too far from the Alberta capital. NHL insider Frank Seravalli name-dropped ex-Calgary Flames coach Darryl Sutter on Wednesday.
“If not Cassidy, if not Babcock, [Laviolette] is already gone,” Seravalli said. “Prepare yourself for the possibility of Darryl Sutter. I’m just saying, you’re gonna have to get creative if you’re the Edmonton Oilers.”
The 67-year-old Sutter last coached the Flames between 2020 and 2023, and was the longtime bench boss of the LA Kings, leading them to two Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014. Before that, he had another stint with Calgary, as well as tenures with the San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks.
Sutter would bring a lot of similar qualities that Babcock would, and he would do it without a massive amount of baggage.
Both are old-school coaches who would push Oilers players and hold them accountable. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently mentioned on Wednesday’s 32 Thoughts podcast that Edmonton’s top players thought they needed a coach who would push back more, and Sutter would fit that bill.
The 67-year-old Viking, Alta., native also has that winning pedigree that the Oilers value so highly with those two Stanley Cup victories in LA. Sutter was also Calgary’s coach during their 2004 Stanley Cup Final run, which came up just short in Game 7 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
While Babcock hasn’t won a playoff series since 2019, Sutter was able to get the Flames past the first round in 2022, defeating the Dallas Stars in seven games before then losing in the second round to the Oilers. The Alberta native also won the Jack Adams Award that same season as the NHL’s best coach.
There is an argument that his coaching style would fit the Oilers better than Babcock’s. Sutter has a history of coaching staunch defensive teams that are hard to generate chances against, which is exactly what Edmonton needs to improve.
During Sutter’s last season with the Flames in 2022-23, he managed to pull together a weak Calgary squad to the brink of the playoffs, posting a 38-27-17 record and a 55 xGF% at five-on-five. It was impressive work considering the team lost both Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau the previous summer.
I know this is going to get mocked. I get why. I'm tempted to join in.
Devil's advocate: the year Sutter got fired in Calgary, the Flames were +12, had a 55 xGF% at 5v5, barely missed the playoffs thanks to terrible goaltending, and haven't looked anywhere near as good since. https://t.co/fQyIXxa0V1
— Jonathan Willis (@JonathanWillis) June 11, 2026
It remains to be seen if Sutter is even remotely interested in stepping back behind an NHL bench, or if he is content with sticking to farm life in rural Alberta. If he is interested and the Oilers can’t close on Babcock, things could get interesting.