The response was a surprising, “No response.”
That’s what Brent Sutter said to the rumble that this could be his last season as Devils coach.
Sutter is believed to have next season remaining on a lucrative contract, but the question is out there among NHL team officials.
Sutter seemed bemusedly astonished when asked, but his philosophy remains to take his situation a year at a time.
He is believed to feel keenly the absence of his family, back in Alberta, British Columbia, where much of the rest of his sizable clan accounts for a significant portion of the provincial population.
Of course, there is always the possibility that Sutter could be Lou Lamoriello’s successor as GM.
Lamoriello, who should have been enshrined in the Hall of Fame long ago – his rule-bending and often needless, sometimes counterproductive obstinacy aside – is having another grand season. But Lamoriello is 66 years old, and relinquishing that role – he’s also president and CEO – has to come someday.
The possibility exists that Sutter could coach Team Canada in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Sutter has been a shining success with New Jersey, coaxing 99 points last year from a team that had several important players turn in mediocre seasons.
He is a leading candidate for the Jack Adams Trophy as coach of the year this season, his team a serious contender despite the loss of Martin Brodeur. The Devils are enjoyable to watch and the atmosphere around the squad is impressive, in large part due to Sutter’s rule of tough reason and fairness.