In the lockout-shortened 1994–95 season, he led Chicago to a 39–36–9 record and the Western Conference Finals falling to the Detroit Red Wings. Sutter's contract was set to expire following the 1994–95 season and he was offered an extension prior to the start of the playoffs which he rejected. On June 20 Sutter announced he would step away from hockey and return home to the family farm in Viking, Alberta. The decision was largely made out of necessity for him to be with his son, Christopher, who has Down syndrome.