Tensions Escalate in Calgary Between Nazem Kadri and Darryl Sutter

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Julien Trekker
March 21, 2023 (1:07 PM)

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When the season started, the Calgary Flames and many NHL experts were convinced that Brad Treliving had miraculously rescued the team from total catastrophe. After losing Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk, Treliving brought in Nazem Kadri, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Mackenzie Weegar to fill the gaps. The Flames were predicted to be among the top contenders in the Pacific Division.

Things did not happen according to plan.

Instead of battling for supremacy in the Pacific Division, the Flames now find themselves outside the playoff race altogether. Currently, they are four points behind the Winnipeg Jets for the last Wild Card spot.

Throughout the season, multiple reports have emerged from Calgary indicating ongoing tensions between players and Head Coach Darryl Sutter.

Earlier this year, Allan Walsh, Jonathan Huberdeau's agent, criticized Sutter and his coaching methods after Sutter told the press that Huberdeau was "taking a shit" when the forward was actually receiving treatment for an injury.

It seems that another new addition to the Flames is experiencing difficulties with the team's Head Coach.

Following the Flames' 3-2 loss to the Dallas Stars, Elliotte Friedman reported that tensions reached a breaking point for Nazem Kadri.

Nazem Kadri has been outspoken about his observations in Calgary this season and the reasons for the team's underperformance.

He's been candid about the communication issues between players and the coach.

Tensions reached a peak on Saturday night.

Kadri's frustration intensified when he was benched for most of the third period and the entire overtime.

Kadri has previously been labeled a problem for teams, although he managed to shed that reputation last season with the Avalanche. This raises the question: Is Kadri merely unhappy with a coach holding him accountable, or is he regressing to the days when he was considered a "liability" in Toronto?

As reported by Blade of Steel - Things boiling over in Calgary as Kadri blames Darryl Sutter for all the Flames issues