Jim Rutherford suddenly resigned as general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday, citing personal reasons. (Getty)
Jim Rutherford resigns as general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Citing personal reasons, the team announced Rutherford’s decision to step down on Wednesday. Patrik Allvin, deputy general manager of Penguins – a Rutherford protégé – has been promoted to provisional GM while “the search for a new GM begins immediately,” according to the team’s website.
“It was a great honor to serve as general manager of the Penguins and to display two more Stanley Cup banners in the PPG Paints Arena,” said Rutherford.
“I have so many people to thank, from the owners Ron Burkle and Mario Lemieux to team president David Morehouse. There was always so much support from everyone involved with the penguins, both the hockey and business people, and of course a special group of players led by Sidney Crosby. The fans here have been great for me and my family. I know it is a little unusual for this to happen during a season, but I just felt that this was the right time to step back. “
Rutherford has been GM of the Penguins since the 2014-15 season and has quickly managed to lead the club to consecutive Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, while making the playoffs every season he was at the top.
Prior to joining the Penguins, Rutherford was GM of the Carolina Hurricanes and Hartford Whalers for two decades, and won the 2006 Cup with the Canes. Rutherford also played in the NHL as a goalkeeper for most of the 13 NHL seasons.
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