Darryl Sutter Says Flames Should Have Seen Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk Departures Coming
The summer of 2022 remains one of the most painful periods in recent Calgary Flames history.
After Calgary was eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers, Johnny Gaudreau shocked the organization by leaving in free agency and signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The situation became even more difficult when general manager Brad Treliving traded Matthew Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers shortly afterward.
The departures stunned many Flames fans, who expected both stars to remain in Calgary for years. Darryl Sutter, however, believes the organization should have anticipated what was coming.
Speaking recently on The Cam and Strick Podcast, Sutter reflected on his second tenure as Calgary’s head coach and explained that he wasn’t surprised either player ultimately moved on.
According to Sutter, the warning signs were already there. Both players were approaching the ends of their contracts, and he believed their desire to return to the United States was a major factor. In his view, their decisions weren’t about dissatisfaction with Calgary or the Flames—they simply wanted to be closer to home.
Sutter also believes the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant influence on Gaudreau and Tkachuk. Because of travel restrictions and border limitations, the two American players were separated from their families for extended periods while playing in Canada.
Sutter said he had a particular sympathy for the two young stars, describing how isolated they were during that period. He recalled Tkachuk arriving at the rink extremely early and staying there throughout the day because there was little else for him to do.
The losses of Gaudreau and Tkachuk dramatically changed the direction of the Flames. Calgary has since entered a rebuilding phase, with the organization attempting to develop a new core.
Despite the difficult transition, there is reason for optimism. The Flames’ front office has made encouraging progress with the rebuild, and if that development continues, Calgary could be back in playoff contention sooner than many expect.
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