Brent Sutter Resigns: Thanks, I Guess?
by John Fischer on Jun 9, 2009 5:31 PM EDT
in Devils Issues & Views
28 comments
Brent Sutter finally made a decision as to what he will do next season: he has resigned as head coach of the New Jersey Devils. Thanks to Tibbs for posting all that up while I was at work when this was happening. Both Gulitti and Chere reported on the press conference, where Brent went through his decision at length. Gulitti has the pertinent quote:
"My decision is that I've officially resigned as head coach of the New Jersey Devils effective today," he said.
Per Chere, Sutter said he does not care what people think of him - specifically as a "quitter."
Sutter, who had one season remaining on his three-year contract with the Devils, said he had no regrets and insisted he wasn't worried about those who view him as a quitter.
"Personally, I could care less what other people think," Sutter said in a conference call from Alberta. "People out here aren't going to say that. People there may say it.
"I don't look at it at all as I'm quitting on anything. When it involves family and personal things that you throw everything into, you have to make certain decisions."
OK, Brent. You're a "resign-er." Read on for further thoughts of mine about Sutter's decision and how it impacts the Devils.
Honestly, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't unhappy or miffed by this development. I certainly understand and sympathize that his family, his ranch, and the junior team he owns, the Red Deer Rebels, are literally and figuratively far away from Sutter when coaching in New Jersey. Yet, how come this is an issue now? Why not last summer? Why not before he signed a three year deal with the Devils? I can't help but feel irritated by all this, especially when also said this, as reported by Chere:
Could he handle his duties with the Red Deer Rebels (WHL), his family obligations and still coach an NHL team?
"Absolutely, under the right circumstances you can make it work," Sutter said. "Red Deer is just one piece of the puzzle."
Since you can't see me doing so, I'm rolling my eyes at this statement.
If this is a hint as to whether he's thinking of coaching elsewhere in the NHL next season, I would certainly hope Lou would exercise his right to refuse permission for teams to speak with Sutter. As Gulitti highlighted, the Devils aren't entitled to compensation but they don't have to let anyone negotiate with Sutter either. It's commendable that Lou was sympathetic and accomodating to Sutter's special desire - and Sutter effusively praised Lou, Jeff Vanderbeek, and the Devils organization:
"The New Jersey Devils, I have nothing but a tremendous amount of respect for the entire organization right from the top to bottom. (GM) Mr. (Lou) Lamoriello, I respect him so, so much and the ownership and the players were great. The whole organization right through, the coaching staff, trainers, doctors, everybody there. It has nothing to do with any of that.
...
"Lou was very respectful and he was very supportive through the whole process and the reason why is no one knows what I have back here. Only he he does," Sutter said. "He's been here. He's seen it. He understands. And that's why there was such a great understanding going into this when I took the position here because he saw what was here. He sees everything that's involved that involved my life around here. At this point, it's the right thing to do what I'm doing and Lou has been very supportive through it. That's another reason why I have such a tremendous amount of respect for him."
Still, I think that since the Devils can't have him behind the bench in 2009-10, then no one in the NHL should. And it may not even matter as apparently Sutter feels that Red Deer needs him.
Most of all, I'm unhappy about this because Sutter seemed to be the head coach this team really could have for years and years. Sutter was a no-nonsense coach who didn't soften the truth and implemented a very effective offensive system of puck possession. Despite losing Martin Brodeur for half of the 2008-09 season, he bossed the Devils to a franchise record of 51 wins, a record of 51-27-4, and another Atlantic Division title - an effort worthy of a Jack Adams Trophy that he somehow wasn't even nominated for. He understood who the players had chemistry with and cultivated it instead of constantly mixing it up as he did in 2007-08. Sutter got away from his system in the playoffs and in retrospect that was a mistake, but you can't say he did a bad job by any stretch. I fear that the Devils, especially on offense, that are already used to Sutter's systems and tactics will be worse off without him in the short term. Of course, he will be remembered for his playoff failures in New Jersey more than anything else first in addition to the fact he left during his contract. Either way, this is not a performance that's easy to follow up on.
To this end, I thank Brent Sutter for what he accomplished with the Devils and, at the same time, hope he does not return to the NHL given how he is leaving and will miss how he worked with the team. Still, I wish he would have at least finished out his contract rather than resigning.
Annoyance, anger, irritation, and wishes aside, however I feel really doesn't matter as the Devils need to look for a new head coach. Lou knows and understands this, as reported by Gulitti, and now can act on whatever Plan B he has thought about I'm assuming Lou considered the possibility of Sutter not returning, given how he didn't talk Sutter out of resigning - a fair assumption, I think. With free agency coming up, Lou and the Devils will have to work quickly to find a viable head coach who could not only work with the current roster, but have the tendencies and tactical know-how to get the most out of their talent. I can't imagine any potential signings want to sign with a team who doesn't have any leadership behind the bench; and how the coach operates will certainly come into a UFA's decision making process. This isn't a position where you just name an interim in the offseason; you need to make an educated and viable decision. Lou understands this, having plenty of practice this decade.
There's plenty of candidates available, fortunately. Lou will not have to dig from the proverbial bottom of the barrel. Sutter praised John MacLean in particular, and he's definitely a possible candidate as he has been an assistant head coach for several seasons now. Maybe he would represent continuity, but he's been passed over twice for the head coaching position and with the candidates available, I can see him remaining as an assistant again. Available head coaches include Guy Carbonneau, Peter Laviolette, Jacques Lemaire, and Dave Lewis.
I'll need to think about the possibilities in the next few days. In the meantime, have your say in the comments about Sutter's resignation, his tenure with the Devils, and who you would or would not want to see coach the Devils.
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I didn't want to lose Sutter
and to be honest, he’s kind of a prick for taking this long to make this decision.
Still, I would love for the Devils to hire Laviolette.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jun 9, 2009 5:57 PM EDT reply actions
yep
i new this was comming,is it possible too get anything from the flames if he trys to coach there next season.
johnny mac head coach
lemaire asst coach
stevens asst coach
i no the last one not gonna happen but i wish it would.
by Imperator_Celtic on Jun 9, 2009 6:05 PM EDT reply actions
As I stated and linked from Gulitti, per NHL bylaws, the Devils are not entitled to compensation if Sutter goes elsewhere.
HOWEVER. Since Sutter is still in contract with the Devils, any team that wants to approach Sutter with an opportunity has to get permission from the Devils. So should a team want to get permission from Lou, they could have an “agreement” to make a transaction in exchange for permission. Even then, I think Lou should squash such requests for permission. Besides, what NHL team wants to take a chance on a guy who apparently puts the Red Deer Rebels before the NHL.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog
brent sutter
exactly how many seasons did he play professional hockey before now he decides that he’s homesick?…please spare me that stuff…so it is on to a new plan…how about a new coach named Guy Carbonneau and a new second line center to work between elias and rolston?…cause that’s what this team really needs, IMHO
by don in central jersey on Jun 9, 2009 6:12 PM EDT reply actions
Alright once again Scott Stevens would be an awesome coach for the Defense. But he has no coaching experience and I doubt be would want to do it. I think he wants to saty with his family. I would rather have Lemaire as head coach and or Laviolette. Still I want Johnny Mac to be here so you have to pick one of those. Tommy Albelin is the defensive coach unless Larry Robinson comes back from assignment. Here are my head and assistant coaches…..
HC- Jacques Lemaire
OC- John MacLean
DC- Tommy Albelin
GC- Jacques Caron
Sutter
He was awesome and can not praise him enough for what he has done here. He helped Oduya, Martin, Salvador, and other young players out with playing defense and teaching them how to ’ offensive’. I didn’t say Colin White because well you know why. He won us the Atlantic Division without Marty! Who could have asked for more? Despite the low winning the percent in the playoffs look at the opponents we had to face. The Rangers who had had our number that year. And the Canes who were the hottest team in hockey when we faced them.
Thank you Brent Sutter!
brent sutter
let’s go devils, i agree that i liked (mostly) his coaching, the team was a lot more entertaining to watch, i’m glad they don’t play this “lock down” defense automatically every time they have a one goal lead after the middle of the second period but he wanted out—homesick?…wants to work for his brother in calgary?…didn’t think lou gave him enough freedom to run the team the way he wanted?…we’ll never know, but he wanted out so we have to regroup quickly and stick to the plan…at least so it seems to me, anyway
by don in central jersey on Jun 9, 2009 7:03 PM EDT reply actions
I don’t understand why people seem to be enthralled with the idea of Jacques Lemaire or John MacLean coaching the Devils next year. Lemaire is a dinosaur, a relic of the clutch and grab era. He had his day, but there’s no reason he should have a head coaching job in the new NHL. Since the lockout we’ve worked hard to play an aggressive forechecking offensive style rather than keep our reputation as the team that plays the boring old neutral zone trap. Hiring Lemaire again would be a real step back for the franchise.
I know some people say that John MacLean has “paid his dues” as a long-time assistant coach and that he deserves a shot as the head coach, but I don’t think he’s experienced enough to handle the job. I would like to see him have some head coaching experience in the minors before he makes the jump to coaching an NHL team. It’s not like Lowell can get any worse.
I’ve stated elsewhere that I would like to see either Mike Haviland or Peter Laviolette behind the bench next season. Haviland is currently an assistant with the Blackhawks and has been a head coach in both the ECHL and AHL, winning the ECHL championship twice. Laviolette’s most recent job was with the former Whalers, but he has won a Stanley Cup and clearly knows what he is doing as a head coach. I feel like either of them would keep the franchise moving in the right direction.
One more useless post brought to you
by Saugus on Jun 9, 2009 7:15 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree
Lemaire really would be a step back to how the team performed under Julien. While it worked, it worked in spite of Julien.
My big concern with MacLean is that while my understanding is that he did a lot of the work while Lou was behind the bench (Lou was more of an “overseer,” which is he is being GM, CEO, and President), MacLean was more responsible for the offense and power play. Neither of which really flourished in the past because of MacLean – they improved under Sutter but that had to do with Sutter’s plans along with other events (e.g. Parise breaking out, Zajac bouncing back, Elias and Langenbrunner playing huge, etc.). While Brent is positive on MacLean, I’m a little skeptical and would like to see how he does as a head coach in the AHL.
Those are some good candidates – I’d like to throw Dave Lewis on the pile except I just learned that he wasn’t as successful as I thought he was. Hmm.
BY THE WAY, I "rec"’d this comment. Basically if you all see a comment you really like, you can rec. it to give it more notice.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog
Comparing Sutter to Burns
Brent may have been a high character player in the NHL, but the guy proved to be a prima donna as a coach. A healthy Pat Burns, by comparison, would never have allowed himself to become the headline that Sutter became these past 3 months. And there never would have been any question about whether or not Pat Burns wanted to return to coach the team. We need a coach with Pat Burns’ character.
Alas, there is only one Pat Burns.
Needless to say, the next head coach will most likely have none of these “distractions.”
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog
Lemaire is a dinosaur, a relic of the clutch and grab era. ?????
I saw Haviland’s numbers in the AHL and ECHL and they are pretty good. If you say he is the Assistant Coach of the Hawks, he of course has some experience with the NHL. I don’t agree that Lemaire should not be granted a coaching job. He won Stanley Cup with New Jersey. If he is like a ’ Dinosaur’ he has a lot of coaching experience. Then you complain about MacLean having no experience. What coach do you want??
I agree about Burn’s but there is no one like Pat Burns
I want a coach who has experience winning in the post-lockout NHL. Lemaire’s best days are behind him, the Stanley Cup he won was in 1995 (14 years ago!), and the playing style he advocated for his players was effective in the old clutch and grab era, but certainly not today. Lemaire has been the coach of Minnesota for the past few seasons, and despite the fact that they have Marian Gaborik on their team, Minnesota consistently has one of the worst offences in the league. That is not something I want for the Devils.
One more useless post brought to you
Like Laviolette??? I think he was a good coach and could fit with the Devils organization. But we will have to wait and see what Lou coughs up this time…..
Yes, like Laviolette. He won the Cup in 2006 with the former Whalers.
One more useless post brought to you
Unfortunate decision (I agree with John I kind of hope Lou is more of a stickler here and doesnt let him negotiate with cough Calgary cough)…
Im not so sure why there seems to be a fascination with Lemaire. He’s a great coach and was great for the Devils but I think that would taking a step ot two back. The Devils do not need to revert to a Lemaire style system. My feelings on Carboneau are similar, I dont think he brings the right style. Id give Johhny Mac a shot, there would be a great deal of continuity there and a number of teams have had success with recently retired players turned coaches. I havent really check who else is out there, so Id be open to other options.
I'm sorry & I'm not sorry.....
When heard that the Devils coach was going to be Sutter back in 2007 I was thrilled !! It left me with a good feeling. It left me feeling like the Devils might be able to make a good run for the Cup again & and maybe get into the final. NOT. I also new that we needed some new players to go along with our new coach to make a better go of it. Earth to LOU?? Then When I heard Brent was home sick and might wanna go back to Alberta mid-way through this last season, that left me with a bad feeling. I new any day now I was going to read Sutter is going back home. He did a good job keeping us in the playoff run this year with all the injuries, I said wow ! Then our team flopped in front of Marty at last lap of the year. Hey it was Brent’s first go as an NHL coach. It’s not easy !! So let’s move on. I was not always thrilled anyway like I thought I might be when he was behind the bench.
I give a Brent a C- for his 2 yrs. as head coach.
See you in Calgary Sutter brothers.
Thanks and good luck
While here, Sutter did his job very well. I wish him well, as I feel all NJD fans should. Loved the “O” he was able to generate and hope who ever takes the helm ( I vote MacLean) continues on that path. I’m sure Lou had a plan for this situation, when does’nt he. On to the draft then free agents………
Photo caption
By the way, that’s Zubrus and not Holik in the picture. Get it right, caption folks.
Anyway, Sutter was a great coach, thought he would be the man around here for a LOOOOONG time. He just had the feel of a no-nonsense Devils coach that would work well with Lou. But no, he bailed on us. Gotta agree with John F here, it does feel weird and I feel a bit shafted by the process. Either commit to 3 years, or figure it out beforehand. Dang. Oh well, the system and organization will live on and the Devils will continue to be great, don’t worry about that.
Caption
I saw the #16 and instantly thought of Holik. Upon closer examination, I was wrong. Thanks for that.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jun 10, 2009 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Where did you see the 16??? I can’t see it in the picture.
by LetsGoDevils on Jun 11, 2009 7:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh
O I see it never mind. Its funny how you mix up Frankenstein with Zubrus!
by LetsGoDevils on Jun 11, 2009 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. I’d like to have a coach in place by the draft so we know what direction the franchise is moving in. If Lou is trying to find another long term coach, like Sutter was supposed to be, I want him to have input on our draft choices, because they should fit his coaching philosophy. Furthermore, free agents won’t want to sign here if they don’t know what sort of coach we’ll have. Get it done right, Lou, but get it done fast too.
One more useless post brought to you
Dave Tippett was just fired so could he be a possibility? I would stick with Laviolette or Johnny Mac. Peter Laviolette I think would fit in with the Devils. He has almost the same thing what Sutter coached. Only a bit better because he is an American born coach and I think he has the most wins as a A.B. coach. Then you can look at Johnny Mac, I think he deserves a chance but in the AHL first. He has to have some sort of coaching experience. Maybe Kirk Muller? The list goes on and on. Like I said before in 2 weeks we will find out.
Rolston and the NY Post.
Did you read in the Post what Brian Rolston said? He said he didn’t get respect from Sutter. Maybe that is why Rolston didn’t do to well this season. I know the injury but I don’t think he liked Sutter. Maybe I am wrong. Maybe Laviolette can change that. We’ll have to wait and see.
come on man… you’re just inventing your own story here. All the post quoted Rolston as saying was that after his injury he felt he never got a fair chance to get back into the top six. He also said he though Sutter did a great job of coaching the team regardless of that.All of which is a fair enough statement and in no way implies that Sutter didn’t respect him or that the two didn’t get along
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