Oilers Coaching Search Draws Criticism as New Unexpected Option Surfaces

The Edmonton Oilers’ ongoing coaching search is drawing serious criticism, with analysts wondering what the game plan is, why the Oilers are making head-scratching decisions, and where they go from here. NHL insider Frank Seravalli is suggesting the process has begun to look “impatient” and even “like a circus.”

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Speaking on Frankly Hockey, Seravalli pointed out how unnecessary it was for the Oilers to get to this point — where they’re waiting on the NHL to investigate Mike Babcock and hoping they don’t come back with something terrible. The Babcock situation continues to trend in the wrong direction; Bruce Cassidy appears off the table after the Vegas Golden Knights denied Edmonton permission to speak with him; and Peter Laviolette was hired in Los Angeles. The Oilers may be running out of conventional options.

That’s where things could get interesting.

Seravalli noted that if Edmonton is forced to pivot, two-time Stanley Cup champion Darryl Sutter could become a name to watch. The Alberta native most recently coached the Calgary Flames and brings a stellar resume to any job, the only issue being how long he’s been out of the game.

At first glance, the idea might invite skepticism. Sutter’s demanding style and abrupt exit from Calgary suggest he’s a long-shot choice. Then again, if they’re not looking at Craig Berube, John Tortorella, or Jim Hiller, that’s all Edmonton is pretty much down to. Of those names, perhaps Sutter’s numbers suggest there’s a compelling case to be made.

During his tenure with the Flames, Sutter’s teams consistently controlled play at five-on-five. Calgary ranked second in the NHL in expected goals percentage (xGF%) and finished in the top five in both xGF/60 and xGA/60. Jonathan Willis writes, “the year Sutter got fired in Calgary, the Flames were +12, had a 55 xGF% at 5v5, barely missed the playoffs thanks to terrible goaltending, and haven’t looked anywhere near as good since.”

Despite losing to the Oilers in the playoffs, the underlying numbers suggested his team was far more competitive than the results indicated. If the organization is prioritizing hiring a guy who doesn’t sugarcoat things, he’s a good fit. Former NHL GM Doug MacLean joined the Kyper and Bourne show and said Sutter is a straight shooter who won’t embarrass his players.

So too, if getting better on the penalty kill and at five-on-five — two areas that have plagued Edmonton — is a priority, Sutter’s track record suggests he could provide immediate structure and stability. His teams are notoriously difficult to play against and excel at limiting chances, something the Oilers have struggled to do consistently.

There’s also a belief that Sutter, given his Alberta roots, would have an interest in the role.

While the move would undoubtedly be polarizing, it’s no more polarizing than the moves Edmonton has already tried to make. At least this one could make sense given the Oilers’ current situation. Seravalli suggested the Oilers start warming up the bullpen as this Babcock thing goes sideways. As unconventional as it might seem, Darryl Sutter could end up being the best closer the Oilers could bring in.

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