Jim Rutherford stepping down as Vancouver Canucks’ president of hockey operations
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Jim Rutherford is stepping down as the Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations following next month’s NHL draft. “I’m going to get away from the day-to-day operations,” he said Tuesday at an unrelated news conference. “I’m going to stay with the team as an adviser and alternate governor.
But as far as the day-to-day operations, we’re going to put together a really good staff here going forward. ” The 77-year-old, three-time Stanley Cup winner said Tuesday that he’s been thinking about his future a lot recently. “This is something I’ve thought about anyways for a couple of years,” Rutherford said.
“But it’s time for me to do that. I feel bad that I have to do it at such a young age, but decided to do it anyways. ” The news comes after the Canucks finished the season last in the standings with a 25-49-8 record.
Vancouver fired general manager Patrik Allvin on April 17, the day after the team capped its dismal campaign with a 6-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Rutherford said the search for a new GM has involved more than 15 candidates, and the list has now been narrowed down to five. A final decision is expected by next week, he said.
How Vancouver’s front office is structured following the new hire remains to be seen, Rutherford added. “I’ll help with the transition and the new person, new people, new positions, things like that,” he said. “But I’ll still be part of the organization.