Flames fire Geoff Ward, name Darryl Sutter head coach

What’s old is new again.

The Calgary Flames have fired head coach Geoff Ward and named former bench boss Darryl Sutter as head coach.

Per the Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, Sutter has signed for the remainder of this season and through 2022-23. Coincidentally, Brad Treliving’s current contract as general manager reportedly runs through the 2022-23 season.

Ward, 59, ends his tenure with the Flames with a head coaching record of 36-26-5 through 67 games (plus the playoffs). He spent parts of three seasons with the Flames as associate coach, interim coach, head coach and now former coach.

Sutter, 62, is a Canadian hockey legend. He played parts of eight seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, then transitioned into coaching. He’s served as head coach with Chicago (1992-95), San Jose (1997-02), the Flames (2002-06) and Los Angeles (2011-17), winning Stanley Cups with the Kings in 2012 and 2014. He also served as general manager of the Flames from 2003 through 2010.

Sutter is an elite head coach, especially during his stretches with the Kings. This is a big, big swing for the Flames and Treliving as they try to right the ship and get the Flames to the next level.