The Calgary Flames' executive vice president and general manager Darryl Sutter has resigned after eight years with the hockey club.

Flames president and CEO Ken King thanked Sutter for his service but said the club wants to restructure and asked Sutter to step down.

"He was the leader that ignited a renaissance of Flames hockey, moving us from a non-playoff team to an organization that was viewed as a respected and popular contender each year. We thank Darryl for his leadership and his important contributions to re-establishing the Calgary Flames as a model franchise," King said in a statement.

"As we enter the next phase of our growth in the NHL, we are restructuring our leadership and processes. We are pleased that Darryl has agreed to assist in an orderly transition and will provide his valuable guidance in the process. He remains dedicated to the success of the team he worked so hard to build."

Sutter retired from playing hockey after the 1986-87 hockey season.

He began coaching in the 90s, beginning with the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks before coming to Calgary in 2002.

As head coach, Sutter famously took the team to the Stanley Cup finals in 2004. He stepped down as coach that year but stayed on as general manager.

There was a mixed reaction when hockey fans were told of Sutter's resignation. Here's what some of them had to say:

"It's too bad because when he first became GM, he turned the franchise around. I wish they'd give him a chance to do it again."

"He hasn't made the best trades and we're kind of capped out right now. So maybe it's time to find somebody that can bring in some new life."

"He did some pretty good things here. I think it was time to move along. Maybe get some new blood going."

Assistant general manager Jay Feaster, who joined the club in July, has been appointed as acting general manager on an interim basis.

Feaster spoke of making the playoffs this season – the team is currently sitting in 14th place in the Western Conference – and that he's going to have to make some tough decisions before the trade deadline.