Tyler Toffoli shares unfiltered opinion on Darryl Sutter

It's been no secret that there has been a rift between several Calgary Flames players and old school head coach Darryl Sutter this season, and it's spilled over into more than one public back and forth. Of course, the most notable examples came from forwards Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri, both of whom are first player players under Sutter's defense-first system. It isn't exactly surprising to see their offensive numbers considerably dropping as they get used to a new playing style.

But one player who didn't need to get used to a new playing style is forward Tyler Toffoli, who was acquired by the Flames at the NHL Trade Deadline last season from Montreal and has already played several seasons under Sutter when both were with the Los Angeles Kings; Toffoli and Sutter won the Stanley Cup together in 2014. 

And while there have been several issues between the players and Sutter, Toffoli paints a completely different picture; at least, for him personally. During an appearance on the "Empty Netters" podcast, Toffoli stated that not only does he enjoy playing for the hard-nosed Sutter, but that he's his favorite coach. 

"Darryl's my favourite coach I've ever had," Toffoli said. "He's the most intelligent coach. Everything he does is for a reason. That's what helped me be successful in the NHL is learning under him and how to be a pro."

Toffoli is enjoying a very productive year for the Flames, having already tallied 65 points in 72 games played, just under the pace of a point per game. 

Can Toffoli help the rest of his teammates to see it from his point of view that Sutter is simply trying to get the most out of them, or is that bridge already in danger of being burned?