NHL

EX-DEVILS COACH LANDS IN CALGARY

It would be the worst hockey treason around here since Mike Keenan was caught talking about jumping from the Rangers during the 1994 playoffs, except that the guy who would feel most betrayed, Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello, says Brent Sutter’s move to the Flames yesterday wasn’t a Benedict Arnold case.

“You don’t give permission if you think there’s funny business,” Lamoriello told The Post yesterday, two weeks after Sutter resigned as Devils coach with at least one year left on his contract.

REPORT: DEVILS OWNER UPSET WITH SUTTER

Sutter cited a desire to be back with his family in Alberta, and with his Red Deer Rebels junior team, when he quit the Devils, although he left the door open for a job with the Flames.

The Post broke the story in February that Sutter might leave the Devils after this past season.

“Brent made the decision to leave, in our opinion for the right reasons: his family and business,” Lamoriello said. “When I received the phone call from [Flames GM] Darryl [Sutter], asking to speak to Brent, you can go one of two ways, because there’s a lot of time left on the contract. But you look at the individual situation, and the trust and respect you have for the person.”

Sutter found a new job before the Devils could replace him. Lamoriello said the search continues.

“It’s a very important decision,” Lamoriello said.

mark.everson@nypost.com