The Vancouver Canucks have announced that Jim Rutherford will remain the club’s President of Hockey Operations. Rutherford was appointed to the role in September 2020, and will continue to oversee the Canucks’ hockey operations, including the team’s amateur scouting, player evaluation and development, and salary cap management. Rutherford also works closely with General Manager Jim Benning and the club’s hockey operations staff. Rutherford has a long track record of success in the NHL, most recently as the General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2014-2020, winning the Stanley Cup twice during his tenure.
Breadcrumb Trail Links
“Rutherford doesn’t want to get out,” says a source close to the situation. “He steps back a bit but is still involved”
Canuck’s President of Hockey Operations, Jim Rutherford, took center stage at the press conference two weeks ago when he announced the hiring of a new head coach in Rick Tocchet. Photo by DARRYL DYCK /The Canadian Press files
content of the article
All rumors about Jim Rutherford’s future in Vancouver should be thrown out the window.
advertising 2
This ad has not yet loaded, but your article continues below.
content of the article
The Vancouver Canucks hockey president isn’t going anywhere, say sources close to the situation.
“I think he wants to finish what he started, his wife loves it here, he wants to finish it with the group he’s put together,” said one.
“Rutherford doesn’t want to get out,” another source said. “He steps back a bit but is still involved.”
Since Rutherford came to the Canucks in December 2021 to replace the fired Jim Benning, it was clear: As long as he is healthy, he wants to work.
It’s something he’s repeated more than once.
“If I have health problems, I’m out. Then I can’t. But I like a challenge, and boy do I have a challenge,” he said at a news conference three weeks ago.
NEXT GAME
Wednesday
advertising 3
This ad has not yet loaded, but your article continues below.
content of the article
Vancouver Canucks vs. New York Rangers
17 o’clock, Madison Square Garden. TV: Sportsnet. Radio: AM 650
The challenge is why Rutherford is finally here.
He could have retired after leaving the Pittsburgh Penguins two years ago, where he won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017.
But he still loves the job and loves the league. He said at his inaugural press conference in Vancouver 14 months ago and that position hasn’t wavered since. Canucks chairman Francesco Aquilini then urged Rutherford to change the organization’s culture.
The chatty classes in the East may be wondering how much fun Rutherford is having, especially as he held on to former coach Bruce Boudreau as losses mounted for two months, or if he’s even ready to quit, but it makes no sense that he is there now .
advertising 4
This ad has not yet loaded, but your article continues below.
content of the article
Both sources acknowledged that Rutherford’s age – he turns 74 next week – is some factor, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise. As Rutherford himself admitted, life doesn’t get any easier as he gets older.
New Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet (left) with GM Patrik Allvin (center) and team president Jim Rutherford at the press conference January 22 at Rogers Arena announcing Tocchet’s hiring. Photo by Arlen Redekop / PNG files
When he joined the Canucks last season, he signed a three-year contract, so he has at least one more year on the job. Its original intent was to be a leadership presence, with a staff led by General Manager Patrik Allvin (hired just over a year ago) doing the heavy lifting while helping them navigate their way through decision-making.
Rutherford was more involved than he might have expected, but that was because there was more work to be done than… well, he expected.
On Tuesday, Rutherford declined to comment publicly on the noise that has been heard over the past few weeks about his desire to stay in Vancouver, merely citing what he said last month about the state of the team .
advertising 5
This ad has not yet loaded, but your article continues below.
content of the article
Last month he admitted to misjudging the situation. He first thought the Canucks just needed minor surgery. In the meantime it has become clear to him that a major operation is imminent.
Rutherford has never been one to shy away from a challenge. Don’t bet on that changing any time soon.
-
Canuck goalie Thatcher Demko returns to training
-
Devils 5, Canucks 4 (OT): relapse, collapse, spirited revival proves a point
-
New Canuck Anthony Beauvillier gets a prime lineup to improve scoring
-
Canucks expect Jonathan Lekkerimaki out for the season with a foot injury
More news, less ads: Our in-depth journalism is possible thanks to the support of our subscribers. For just $3.50 per week you get unlimited Ad-Lite access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The province.
Share this article on your social network
Display 1
This ad has not yet loaded, but your article continues below.
Comments
Postmedia strives to maintain a vibrant but civilized forum for discussion and encourages all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour to be moderated before they appear on the site. We ask that you keep your comments relevant and respectful. We’ve turned on email notifications – you’ll now receive an email when you get a reply to your comment, there’s an update on a comment thread you follow, or when a user you follow comments follows. For more information and details on how to customize your email settings, see our Community Guidelines.
Don’t miss interesting posts on Famousbio
