If the assistants have been signed as rumoured, it is likely that Treliving is on board and details are being worked out. After this past season, I would assume that Treliving is wanting some hand in dealing with the roster and hopefully he is wanting to pursue a youth retool/rebuild. Last year was pressured and understandable, as you had a veteran coach who signed on to coach a seasoned team. Treliving's actions over the summer ensured that would happen, and Sutter was likely given an extension to give him control over the room, and because he had power at that time to demand more years.
Fast forward a year and the Flames find themselves with a decent, albeit aging roster, and a number of expiring contracts. If I were Treliving I would want certainty going into next season, meaning if I couldn't get key guys inked in the offseason we'll help them move onto the next stage of their professional journey and go in a younger direction. There is nothing to suggest that at this stage of his career Sutter wants to mentor and mold a younger squad, but if Treliving were to be given the power to alter the course of the franchise it would force Sutter to either get on board, or return to farming. I personally think a looser, bit more humble version of Sutter could go a long ways in developing a young roster, but at this point in his career that is likely not an option, you know, the whole zebra and it's stripes thing.
Regardless, I would like to see Treliving back and empowered to build, not just maintain, and if a smiling Sutter were part of the equation, I'd be okay with that. We live in interesting times...
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