There is no reason to dumb garbage on Sutter because this isn't all his fault either. He didn't do a good job last year, and I think even he'd admit that, but this isn't his fault either. If you want to point at anyone it's Edwards IMO.
The point in all of this should be we don't need to assign blame because this is not about players wanting out. As I understand it the only player who "wants out" is Hanifin and it's because he wants to play in the US, closer to home/family.
Toffoli is about contract. He wanted a big term and the Flames don't want to go there so they are far apart, thus the trade rumor.
Backlund is open to staying but i've also heard he isn't wanting to take a discount. He also isn't sure the team can win the next few years (think most would agree with him) and he wants to play for a cup.
Lindholm is very open to staying but again it's a really tricky contract. I think Lindholm wants to cash in and I think the Flames are reluctant to give another max deal. I think Lindholm also isn't sure about committing here for 8 years knowing the team may not compete.
I believe this is as much driven by the team as it is players so yes if the angle is Sutter created this mess than I would say that is false and equally as bad as pointing the finger at Trevling.
I'm beating a dead horse here but i'm going to continue, this is about so much more than just a natural progression of a roster than it is about 1 or 2 people. That's media driven IMO.