Darryl Sutter Emerges as Surprising Coaching Option for Edmonton Oilers Amid Controversy

The Edmonton Oilers’ coaching search has come under fire for its lack of direction and clarity, with a new name now entering the mix: Darryl Sutter. As the team awaits the NHL’s investigation into Mike Babcock and sees other top candidates like Bruce Cassidy and Peter Laviolette fall by the wayside, the idea of bringing back the two-time Stanley Cup winner is gaining traction among insiders.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli has criticized the Oilers’ process as “impatient” and “like a circus.” The situation has grown increasingly awkward as the team waits for the league to clear Babcock, who is under investigation for alleged misconduct, while other options are slipping away. The Vegas Golden Knights denied permission for Edmonton to speak with Bruce Cassidy, and Peter Laviolette has already been hired by the Los Angeles Kings.

In this scramble, Seravalli suggested that Sutter could be a viable option if the Oilers pivot. The Alberta native, who most recently coached the Calgary Flames, has a strong track record. During his time in Calgary, Sutter’s teams ranked second in the NHL in expected goals percentage (xGF%) at five-on-five and finished in the top five in both xGF/60 and xGA/60. In the year he was fired from Calgary, the Flames were +12 in goal differential and had a 55 xGF% at even strength.

Former NHL GM Doug MacLean praised Sutter as a “straight shooter” who doesn’t sugarcoat feedback for players. Jonathan Willis noted that Sutter’s teams were consistently competitive, even if the results didn’t always reflect it. In the 2023 playoffs, the Flames lost to the Oilers, but the underlying numbers showed his team was more competitive than the scoreboard indicated.

Sutter’s teams are known for their defensive structure and ability to limit scoring chances, areas where the Oilers have struggled. If Edmonton wants immediate stability and a coach who will hold players accountable, Sutter could provide that. His Alberta roots also make him an intriguing fit from a cultural standpoint.

The move would be unconventional, but given the current state of the Oilers’ search, it could be the most logical option left. Seravalli suggested the Oilers start warming up the bullpen as the Babcock situation continues to unfold. With so many options off the table, Darryl Sutter could end up being the best fit for Edmonton’s needs.

The Oilers are expected to make a decision soon as the NHL’s investigation into Babcock concludes. What comes next will determine whether Sutter is the answer or if the team will continue its rocky search.