It is common knowledge that Darryl Sutter faced serious unpopularity among players in the locker-room after winning the Jack Adams award last season. This year, despite being owed $8 million over two years, he was fired due to the situation.
Multiple players were discontented and even submitted trade requests to Brad Treliving. The Flames experienced a peculiar year, as Treliving left before Sutter's dismissal. However, after Sutter was fired, the players who had previously requested trades reported to the front-office and withdrew their requests.