Jim Rutherford Reflects on Penguins Departure and Stanley Cup Legacy

Jim Rutherford, now the president of hockey operations for the Vancouver Canucks, recently reflected on his departure from the Pittsburgh Penguins and his enduring Stanley Cup legacy. As he celebrated the 2016 Penguins championship during a recent event at PPG Paints Arena, Rutherford shared insight into his decision to leave the organization.

Reflecting on His Departure from the Penguins

Rutherford’s resignation from the Penguins came abruptly just seven games into the 2020-21 season. At 76 years old, he cited the overwhelming impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant factor in his mental state leading to his departure. “If it wasn’t for COVID, I probably would have been in a much different state of mind entering that season,” he stated.

The Toll of the Pandemic

• Rutherford emphasized that personal experiences during the pandemic affected his decision.
• He spent 11 months mostly isolated at home while managing work and family responsibilities.
• This period, he claimed, changed his outlook and diminished his passion for the sport.

Despite widespread rumors about tensions within the organization, Rutherford clarified, “It had nothing to do with other people or anything like that.” He expressed gratitude towards Penguins ownership and management, asserting that he was treated with respect throughout his tenure.

Fond Memories and Legacy

Rutherford reminisced about his relationships with key figures in the franchise, including Mario Lemieux, Mike Sullivan, and Sidney Crosby. “It was so terribly hard because I was treated so well in Pittsburgh and we accomplished so very much,” he remarked. His departure was not a spontaneous decision; he had contemplated the move during the pandemic, becoming increasingly aware of his desire to step back from his role.

Future Aspirations in Vancouver

Shortly after leaving the Penguins, Rutherford took the reins in Vancouver. The Canucks’ recent performance has been challenging, but he remains optimistic. “We’re in a whole new stage in Vancouver,” Rutherford commented, highlighting the ongoing rebuilding phase of the franchise.

Looking Ahead

As Rutherford continues with the Canucks, he reflects on the changing dynamics of the NHL and his enduring connection to Pittsburgh. He acknowledged the significant achievements of Penguins’ current management under Kyle Dubas, stating, “He’s so hard-working, so smart.” Rutherford’s passion for hockey endures, and he remains committed to his role in the league, joking about working for another 20 years.

With heartfelt sentiments, Rutherford remarked, “We sure did have a great team. Not one bad apple. Just good people winning Stanley Cups.” As he navigates this reflective period, his legacy with the Penguins and contributions to hockey continue to be honored and celebrated.