Darryl Sutter is known for being an old-school coach. From not knowing rookies to preferring players who play a heavy simpler game he definitely wanted things done his way. During his tenure with the Calgary Flames, this caused tension and a toxic work place.
Mikael Backlund has been with the Calgary Flames for over a decade. He is considered a leader in the locker room and in the community. So when it came time for Darryl Sutter to name a new captain many thought Backlund would be an ideal fit. Sutter did not share this opinion instead deciding to leave the captaincy open. This did not sit well and led to Backlund feeling disrespected by the long-time head coach.
Star defenseman MacKenzie Weegar spent his first season with the Calgary Flames in 2022-23 after coming over in a blockbuster trade. He detailed the toxic relationship and fighting between Sutter and Backlund. Weegar mentions that many times the two would get into shouting matches and exchange profanities.
With this toxic environment, the Flames faltered down the stretch and missed the playoffs. With new leadership and another year of playing together, this core will look to jump back into the playoffs in 2023-24.
