Darryl Sutter will not be coaching the reigning Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals as he announced his retirement from the NHL after a 40-year stint as player and coach. Sutter's NHL career began when he was selected 178th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 1978.
Before his announcement, Sutter was considered replacing Barry Trotz at the helm of the Capitals. With Sutter's announcement, assistant Todd Reirden is now the leading candidate to take over Trotz's place. Trotz was hired on Thursday as the head coach of the New York Islanders.
After eight seasons with the Blackhawks, Sutter retired from playing with 161 goals and 279 points in 406 career games. In addition, he also compiled 288 penalty minutes. Then he ventured into a coaching career that began with the International Hockey League (IHL). He first coached the Saginaw Hawks before carrying the Indianapolis Ice to the Turner Cup.
Sutter Says 40 Years In NHL Is Enough
Sutter tells Eric Francis of Sportsnet that 40 years in the NHL is enough when he was asked about the possibility of taking over the Capitals. Sutter added that he will not accept the gig, as he will be too far away from his grandchildren. The 59-year-old Sutter said he will run his 3,000-acre farm in Viking, Alberta.
"I love my schedule now — that's the best way to put it," Sutter said, adding that there's no situation that could lure him to leave his ranch and relocate his family for another coaching job. Sutter added that he's at peace with not coaching and will settle on watching the games on television.
Sutter Won Two Stanley Cups As Coach
Sutter leaves the NHL with two Stanley Cup titles, which he won during his coaching stint with the Los Angeles Kings. Sutter is just one of 18 coaches to have captured the Stanley Cup at least twice.
Aside from the Kings, Sutter also coached the Chicago Blackhawks from 1992 to 1995, San Jose Sharks from 1997 through the start of the 2002 season, and the Calgary Flames from 2002 to 2006. After 17 seasons at the helm, Sutter ended his coaching career 14th in NHL wins with a record of 634-467-83 with 101 ties in 1,285 games.
Sutter tallied 20-plus goals in five of his eight NHL seasons, including a career-high 40 goals in 1980 to 1981. Sutter also had 43 points in 51 playoff games for the Blackhawks. He also showed his leadership skills, as he was the Blackhawks captain from 1982 to 1985 and again from 1986 to 1987.
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