Now I want to kick this off by saying that I am not writing this post to get a rise out of anyone. To me, discussions about coaches on the hot seat need to take place after games are played. However, I've recently read two articles mentioning Darryl Sutter as a coach already on the hot seat, and I could not let this topic pass by without providing my two cents.

As we all know, Darryl Sutter is entering his first full season as the Flames head coach. After taking over behind the last season, he led Calgary to a 15-15-0 record through 30 games. Though the team failed to make the postseason, they arguably looked better than the 24 games played under Geoff Ward.

This offseason, General Manager focussed his attention on creating a roster that fit Sutter's coaching style. Yes, goal-scoring might be sparse, but the Flames should be a defensively sound club that is difficult to play against.

Of course, they still might be an underwhelming team in 2021-22. The chance of making the postseason exists in a generally weak Pacific Division, but whether Calgary is fit for a deep playoff run remains to be seen.

If the Flames appear to be in the midst of another failed campaign mid-way through this season, should Sutter be on "the hot seat?"

I want to pose the argument that he shouldn't be. Now, when I think of a coach worthy of "the hot seat," I imagine a coach who has played a direct role in a team's shortcomings. Typically, this bench-boss continues failing to get the most out of a highly talented roster. In the case of Sutter, I don't think this is necessarily the case.

If the Flames fail, it is more on the continued lack of action from Brad Treliving than Darryl Sutter's coaching. Offseason after offseason, a cry for a serious change to this roster's core is generally met with minor moves from the man running the team. If anyone should be on "the hot seat" in Calgary, it is Treliving, not Sutter. (Spoiler Alert: Treliving better be on the darn "hot seat.")

Now, this is not to say that Sutter's job is not on the line if the Flames struggle to make significant progress this season. Another failed year will end in the firing of Treliving and more than likely translate into a full rebuild for the Flames. With a new GM at the helm and the organizational direction changing, there is a good chance Calgary moves on from Sutter. However, it will be more because of the GM's actions rather than the head coach's

To you, this might mean that Sutter is indeed on "the hot seat" in Calgary. I feel like possibly losing your job because of something out of your control and being on "the hot seat" are not always the same thing.

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