Brian Sutter

Lore & Background

Sutter was drafted by the St. Louis Blues during the 2nd round (20th overall) in the 1976 NHL entry draft. He played for the Blues until 1988, when a nagging back injury forced him into retirement. In 12 years with the Blues, he played in three NHL All-Star Games – 1982, 1983, and 1985. For the last nine years of his career, he was the Blues' captain.

His jersey, #11, was retired by the St. Louis Blues on December 30, 1988. Immediately after retiring, he was named the Blues' head coach (1988–1992). In 1991, he won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's best coach. All told, he spent the first 16 years of his adult life at ice level with the Blues.

Sutter subsequently held head coaching positions with the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, and Chicago Blackhawks (2001–2004). On June 21, 2005, the Blackhawks hired Dale Tallon as their new general manager; Tallon and the rebuilding Blackhawks decided not to renew Sutter's contract. During the 2006–07 season, Sutter coached the Bentley Generals of the Chinook Hockey League, leading the team to its first berth in the Allan Cup, Canada's senior men's hockey championship.

Sutter was named the head coach of the Western Hockey League's Red Deer Rebels on July 12, 2007, replacing his younger brother Brent, who left the Rebels to become the head coach of the NHL's New Jersey Devils. On March 24, 2008, the Rebels announced that Brian Sutter had resigned as head coach of the team, citing personal reasons. Sutter returned as head coach of the Generals for the 2008–09 season, leading them to its first Allan Cup title in 2009.

In August 2012, Sutter left the Generals to become the new head coach of the Innisfail Eagles, also of the Chinook Hockey League. He stepped down as head coach of Innisfail in 2022.

Reader's Guide

Sutter and his wife Judy have two children, a son Shaun and a daughter, Abigail.

The Sutter Dynasty's Lone Icon

Brian Louis Allen Sutter holds a spot unique in the legendary Sutter family. Born in 1956 as the second oldest and eldest of the six brothers to reach the NHL, he earned an honor none of his siblings matched: having his number retired by a franchise. While the whole clan shaped hockey history, Brian alone secured this distinction with the St. Louis Blues, where he played from 1976 until a back injury forced retirement in 1988. Serving as captain for nine years proved his leadership beyond just playing. Retiring number 11 on December 30, 1988, marks him apart from even his accomplished brothers, making him the most recognized member of the family within the franchise.

A Decade of Leadership with St. Louis

Drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the second round of the 1976 entry draft, Brian Sutter dedicated twelve consecutive years to the franchise, evolving into one of its most respected figures. His on-ice excellence was recognized with three selections to the NHL All-Star Game in 1982, 1983, and 1985, highlighting his elite status among forwards during that era. Beyond individual accolades, Sutter assumed the captaincy for the final nine years of his playing days, guiding the team through various challenges until a persistent back injury ended his active career in 1988.

His transition from player to leader was seamless and immediate; upon retiring, he was instantly named the head coach of the Blues. This continuity allowed him to spend sixteen consecutive years at the ice level with St. Louis, bridging the gap between his playing days and his coaching debut. The organization's decision to retire his jersey immediately following his retirement reflects the deep respect he commanded from fans, management, and teammates alike during his long tenure.

From Jack Adams to Senior Hockey

Sutter's coaching career began with immediate success, earning the prestigious Jack Adams Award in 1991 as the NHL's top coach while leading St. Louis. However, his path took him across North America, including stints as head coach for the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, and Chicago Blackhawks between 2001 and 2004. His time with Chicago ended when general manager Dale Tallon opted not to renew his contract during a rebuilding phase in 2005. Sutter later found renewed purpose in senior hockey, coaching the Bentley Generals of the Chinook Hockey League.

He led them to their first Allan Cup berth in 2007 and secured the championship title in 2009. His coaching journey also included a brief return to junior hockey as head coach of the Western Hockey League's Red Deer Rebels in 2007, where he replaced his brother Brent before resigning in early 2008 for personal reasons. He eventually settled back into senior leagues with the Innisfail Eagles, serving there until stepping down in 2022.

Family Roots and Personal Life

Off the ice, Brian Sutter stays grounded in his famous hockey dynasty and his own home. He led the senior generation of six professional brothers who set the stage for what came next. Alongside his wife Judy, he raised two children: a son named Shaun and a daughter named Abigail. Public eyes often track his stats as a player and coach, but these family ties define him outside the arena. While the Sutter name brings hockey heritage to mind, Brian's path stands out through his captaincy, coaching award, and senior league titles. His story balances public praise with private commitment, extending well past any game's final buzzer.