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What should the Calgary Flames do with Mitch Love?

By Nathan Smith

HENDERSON, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 26: Mitch Love, head coach of the Calgary Wranglers on the bench in the game against the Henderson Silver Knights at The Dollar Loan Center on February 26, 2023 in Henderson, Nevada. The Silver Knights defeated the Wranglers 2-1. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
HENDERSON, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 26: Mitch Love, head coach of the Calgary Wranglers on the bench in the game against the Henderson Silver Knights at The Dollar Loan Center on February 26, 2023 in Henderson, Nevada. The Silver Knights defeated the Wranglers 2-1. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images) /
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While Darryl Sutter struggled to lead the Calgary Flames to the playoffs in 2022-23, the Calgary Wranglers were dominating the AHL en route to the best record in the league, with many fans clamouring for two-time AHL Coach of the Year Mitch Love to get the first shot at replacing Sutter behind the bench. Despite a reportedly strong interviewing process from Love, the team opted to go with another familiar face in the form of long-time assistant Ryan Huska, but it now begs the question, what does the future hold for Love in Calgary?

At just 38-years of age, there’s no reason for Love to be rushing into a role he may not be ready for, and with just two years of Head Coaching experience in the AHL, there’s time for him to learn and grow with his experience, but now the Flames will have to decide whether continuing to coach down there, or promoting him to an assistant coaching role will be the best for his development.

In the AHL, he’s somewhat been able to ride the back-to-back AHL Goaltender of the Year in Dustin Wolf who has had astronomically great numbers, and over the two years in which he ended with a record of 96-33-9, he showed that he’s fantastic with player development, but if he wants to take the next step towards becoming a Head Coach at the next level, the best move for both parties is that promotion.

With Wolf, Jakob Pelletier, Connor Zary and potentially a re-signed Matthew Phillips all likely to contribute significantly at the NHL level in 2023, having Love behind the bench could be a great way to continue continuity for the entire roster, and with his penchant for creativity and his player-first coaching style, he would be a great addition.

Ultimately, Love may never end up becoming the Head Coach of the Calgary Flames, as he may be poached if Huska, like many around the organization believe, can succeed, but until that point, the team need to prioritize his development, meaning that whatever the future holds, Love needs to be a part of the NHL coaching staff when the 2023-24 season begins.

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