Quote:
Originally Posted by TOfan
For one thing, Treliving, and probably the owners, were only going to make a move if Sutter was going to accept an offer to come back. Treliving is on record saying as much. Secondly, Ward was, in all likelihood, a cheap option and given how the team preformed under him from the Peters situation to the bubble, deserved consideration. His deal was also short term, 2 years. In other words, it wasn’t going to be too difficult to move on if things didn’t work out.
I suspect the Flames and Sutter were in contact with one another for some time before he accepted the job. This would explain the 3 week period after the season where there was nothing coming from the Flames regarding Wards situation, or what direction they were going to go in. They were in discussions with Sutter.
It’s not baffling at all knowing what we know now. The Flames wanted to hire Sutter. Sutter wasn’t willing to commit likely due to a number of factors; he had previously retired, we’re in the middle of a pandemic, and family considerations. Sounds harsh, but Ward was likely a lame duck coach since he inherited the job. The Flames/Treliving knew who their guy was, they were just going to half to be patient.
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All we really know is that they had past discussions. We don't know when exactly.
I don't think it was the pandemic. Sutter said a big reason why he wasn't interested when they last talked is because the team the way it was didn't excite him. I think when he said that he was mostly referring to lack of a legit starting goalie.
I think instead of committing to Ward had Treliving waited another 2-3 weeks or if they were in discussions told Sutter his intentions and came to a pending agreement it could have got done.
Either way deciding to go with Ward was a huge mistake and should have been his last chance to keep his job but we'll see what happens.