‘Canada Wasn’t Their Thing’: Sutter’s Explosive Take on Gaudreau and Tkachuk’s Exit

Darryl Sutter is part of one of the NHL’s most legendary coaching and playing families. Across his long career behind the bench, he coached in two separate stints for the Calgary Flames — 2002–06 and 2021–23 — and captured the Jack Adams Award in the 2021–22 season.

He also won two Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings from 2011–2017, turning them into one of the league’s most feared defensive machines. When Sutter talks, people listen. His press conferences are famously dry, blunt, and often unintentionally hilarious. He’s never been shy about speaking his mind, and his straight‑shooter mentality was even floated as a fit for the Edmonton Oilers during their recent coaching search.

---

Sutter Said WHAT?

A few days ago, Sutter caused a stir on the Cam and Strick podcast. While reflecting on his time in Calgary, he addressed the departures of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk — and delivered a quote that sent shockwaves through Flames fans and raised eyebrows across Canadian markets.

This was during the COVID years, when players were isolated from their families and living under strict restrictions. But Sutter didn’t sugarcoat his view of what those players were dealing with:

“Those American kids… they were basically stranded in Canada. Nobody could come and see them… Canada was not their thing. They didn’t leave because they didn’t like Calgary or the team — they wanted to go back home.”

It’s a blunt assessment — and one that taps into a growing trend. Playing “at home” has become a major draw for American players over the past decade. The U.S. is producing elite talent at a staggering rate, giving players more leverage than ever in choosing where they want to play. Add in the tax advantages in certain states, and the pull toward American markets becomes even stronger.

Many American players have Canadian teams on their no‑trade lists. For Canadian GMs, that’s becoming a real concern.

I break down more of the league‑wide trend — and other case studies — here.

Calgary Flames Fallout

The Flames were hit brutally hard in 2022. After winning the Pacific Division and looking like legitimate contenders, they lost their two best players in ten days. Gaudreau and Tkachuk made up two‑thirds of the best line in hockey alongside Elias Lindholm.

Gaudreau put up 40 goals and 115 points with a staggering +64. Tkachuk had 42 goals and 104 points, going +57. Losing one player of that calibre hurts. Losing both is franchise‑altering.

It was especially unfortunate because the Battle of Alberta was reaching new heights. The Flames and Oilers had just played a heated five‑game series, capped by Connor McDavid’s iconic OT winner in Game 5. It felt like the rivalry was entering a golden era — one destined for more playoff clashes and marquee moments.

Instead, the Flames collapsed, missed the playoffs every year since, and the Battle of Alberta lost its momentum overnight.

What Comes Next for Canadian Teams?

Sutter’s comments add fuel to a conversation Canadian GMs have already been having behind closed doors: Should they be more cautious about drafting and developing American stars?

It’s a tricky balance. You always want to draft the best player available. But the risk is real — investing years of development into a player who may ultimately want out simply to play closer to home.

With rising U.S. talent, tax advantages, and the growing trend of American players controlling their destinations, Canadian teams may need to rethink how they approach the draft.

The Flames learned that lesson the hard way.

Next: The U.S. Hockey Boom Is Reshaping the NHL — And Canadian Teams Are Paying the Price