Coach Sutter steps down from behind the Jersey bench. I got wind of the possible decision Saturday night speaking to a source and the more I think about it, the more I understand.
Coach Sutter will rank in my top 3 all time Devils coaches along with Larry Robinson and Pat Burns. He did do a good job when you look at the past two years. He somewhat broke the mold of a typical Devils coach.
But I must give him full credit for wearing his emotions on his sleeve and be up front with his being homesick and missing his family. How can anyone fault him for this? He did take a leap and stepped into the NHL.
I also think he did the NJ Devils a favor in stepping down as the moment he stuttered he lost alot of respect (not as a person but as a leader of a hockey club) and no one wants a Lame Duck coach just riding out the last year of his contract.
I think Sutter has a future in the NHL and as his family circumstance evolves and children grow up and move out there will be alot more options for him. The natural thing would be to join his brother in Calgary, not far from his home in Red Deer.
At the end of the day I am sad to see Coach Sutter leave but I am happy for the fact that we can move on and Uncle Lou could find a new coach. The Devils need to move on and build on last year's momentum. Good luck to you Coach and no one could blame you for having family values, you will have a long NHL career on your own terms.
Now, let the speculation begin.... Who will be behind the bench? Which UFAs will we lose? Which UFAs will we add?
Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
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