CALGARY, Alberta — Mike Keenan was fired as coach of the Calgary Flames yesterday, possibly opening the job for Devils coach Brent Sutter.
Keenan spent two seasons with Calgary, and general manager Darryl Sutter, Brent’s brother, said expectations were not met.
“Taking into consideration all factors affecting our season-ending result, we believe this is a necessary change required to allow our team to continue toward our objective of winning the Stanley Cup,” Darryl said.
Brent has not confirmed he will return to the Devils in the final year of his contract, and it’s been speculated he could be interested in coaching Calgary, closer to his home in Alberta.
Devils GM Lou Lamoriello would have to give Brent Sutter permission to talk to the Flames, and the Devils likely would expect compensation should they let him leave.
The Flames finished the regular season with 46 wins and 98 points, but they were ousted in the first round in six games by the Chicago Blackhawks.
Keenan, who led the Rangers to the 1994 Stanley Cup, had one year remaining on his contract. He said following the playoff loss to Chicago that he believed he would be back to finish his deal.
“I have another year left on my contract,” Keenan said. “My expectation is to be here to fulfill my contract.”
Keenan was hired as the Flames coach in June 2007, replacing Jim Playfair. He leaves Calgary with an 88-60-16 regular-season record. His 691 victories rank fourth on the career coaching list.