Jim Rutherford resigns as general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, citing personal reasons

In a startling move, Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford resigned on Wednesday citing personal reasons.

“There has always been so much support from everyone involved with the Penguins, both hockey staff and business, and of course a special group of players led by Sidney Crosby,” Rutherford said in a statement. “The fans here have been great for me and my family. I know it’s a little unusual for this to happen for a season, but I just thought it was a good time to step away.”

Patrik Allvin, who was recently promoted to deputy general manager of the Penguins, will serve as interim general manager as the team begin an immediate search for Rutherford’s successor. According to the team, Allvin will consult with Mario Lemieux, the team’s Hall of Fame owner, for commentary and advice during the interim period.

Rutherford, 71, had been the Penguins general manager since the 2014-15 season. The Penguins made the playoffs in each of their six seasons, winning the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017, and Rutherford was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2019. Prior to joining the Penguins, Rutherford turned 20 as chairman and managing director. from the Carolina Hurricanes / Hartford Whalers franchise from 1994 to 2015 and won a Stanley Cup in Carolina in 2006.

“Absolutely shocked,” a rival general manager told ESPN in a text message. “I didn’t see it coming.”

Rutherford, who had a 13-year career as a goaltender in the NHL, was known as a wheeler and dealer during his time with the Penguins, constantly trying to reorganize the cast around Crosby and Evgeni Malkin – in particular over the past two seasons, as he tried to create another championship race with the aging core. Two years ago he shipped Phil Kessel to Arizona and last year Patric Hornqvist sent to Florida.

In a statement, Penguins President and CEO David Morehouse said Rutherford “has been a great representative for the Pittsburgh Penguins.”

“He will always have a special place in our team’s history, his own legacy,” said Moorehouse. “He will always be with the Penguins.”

Allvin, 46, from Falun, Sweden, is in his 15th year with the Penguins hockey operations staff. He started as a scout in 2006 and worked his way up the ranks until he was promoted to deputy general manager in November.