Sutter thows his hat

From NHL.com

Sutter throws his hat into the ring
Tuesday, 05.26.2009 / 4:20 PM / News
By Todd Kimberley - NHL.com Correspondent

CALGARY -- The Calgary Flames expect to have a new-look coaching staff in place in time for the 2009 Entry Draft on June 26 and 27.

And General Manager Darryl Sutter already has thrown a familiar name out there as Mike Keenan’s replacement.

Darryl Sutter.

"Right now I'm the best (candidate)," said Sutter during a Tuesday afternoon news conference.

"All the best coaches in the league are under contract. I think there are three guys (in that group) who are excellent. I won't tell you who they are.

"And I'm fourth."

Four days after firing head coach Keenan, Sutter announced Tuesday that the Flames have completed a full housecleaning, with associate coach Jim Playfair, assistant coaches Rich Preston and Rob Cookson, and goaltending coach David Marcoux relieved of their duties.

Playfair will be given an opportunity to coach the Flames' AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat, in 2009-10.

Sutter also caused a stir with the strongly hinted suggestion that he'd reassume a dual role with the Flames. Sutter was Calgary's head coach and GM during the 2003-04 and 2005-06 seasons, leading the club to a Stanley Cup final in the spring of 2004.

"I've said it all along. I've told you this before. I can separate the general manager and coach (roles) pretty easily, if you're surrounded by good people," Sutter said.

"If I find out, at the end of our search, that I think I'm the best candidate, then I am the coach. I can do that."