Darryl Sutter, Chicago Blackhawk associate coach, has...

Darryl Sutter, Chicago Blackhawk associate coach, has been given permission to talk with the Kings about their head coaching vacancy, according to Sutter’s agent, Don Meehan.

Even though Sutter is scheduled to come to Los Angeles for an interview Wednesday, the status of Mike Keenan, who is the Blackhawks’ general manager and coach, is still unclear. Keenan evidently has not decided whether he still wants to do both jobs next season.

Sunday, Keenan gave Rogie Vachon, the Kings’ general manager, permission to talk to Sutter. But if Keenan eventually steps down as coach, Sutter will stay in Chicago.

Sutter, 33, played with the Blackhawks from 1979-87 and began coaching in the organization in 1987. In 1990, he led their minor league affiliate in Indianapolis to the Turner Cup championship in the International Hockey League.

Another candidate for job, Detroit’s minor league coach, Barry Melrose, said he will be interviewed Thursday in Los Angeles.