Sutter steps aside, Playfair named head coach

Darryl Sutter is relinquishing head coaching duties of the Calgary Flames and will be replaced by assistant Jim Playfair.

The Flames announced on Wednesday that Sutter, who became coach of the Flames in 2002 and added the general manager’s title in 2003, will retain the role of general manager.

With Playfair moving into the head coaching role, the Flames also announced that Wayne Fleming will join the coaching staff.

At the end of the playoffs Sutter said he was considering not coaching and concentrating on the general manager task.

Sutter, 47, led the Flames to a Stanley Cup berth in 2004, where they fell in seven games to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Calgary posted a 46-25-11 record this year—good for third in the Western Conference—but lost to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in seven games in the first round of the playoffs.

Sutter compiled a 107-73-26 record in two-plus seasons behind the Calgary bench, joining the Flames after head coaching stints in Chicago and San Jose.

Playfair, 42, has spent the past three seasons as a Flames assistant after two-plus seasons as head coach of the Flames’ AHL affiliate in Saint John. N.B. Playfair led the AHL’s Flames to the Calder Cup title in 2001 and has been coaching for 14 years.

"I think the character of our dressing room is a big factor. We have to continue to build our identity of a hard-working team," said Playfair. "We have to continue to grow and improve that identity."

Playfair said spending so much time in the organization will help make the coaching transition smooth.

"Coming through the organization you know what it is all about and you know what the identity is. It's an honour," said Playfair.

Wayne Fleming was named as Playfair’s replacement. Fleming formerly served stints as assistant coach with the New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes and Philadelphia Flyers.

"He has won. He understands player development. He has a great handle on the NHL and developing players," said Playfair of Fleming.

Playfair said the Flames will remain the Flames. In other words, he won't be changing the style of play. He will be reinforcing what Sutter has instilled since arriving in Calgary.

"Our team is hungry. Our team is focused. I like the mind set of our players," said Playfair.